Other functions of the reinforcer

reflections on the description of reinforcement

Authors

  • Lorismario Ernesto Simonassi PUC Goiás Author
  • João Lucas Bernardy Federal University of Goiás image/svg+xml Author
  • José Vinícius Bernardy Federal University of Goiás image/svg+xml Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v22i1.1185

Keywords:

Reinforcement, Functions-of-reinforcer, Induction, Ordination-organization, Behavioral-repertoire

Abstract

Usually, novice behavior analysts are thought that the reinforcement is exclusively defined by the increase in frequency or rate of a single response class. Based on the datum available on literature, we discuss the pertinency of the standard theory of reinforcement, and we pursue a broader description of the following functions: (1) selection; (2) induction; (3) ordination and organization; and (4) expansion of behavioral repertoire. Even though the convenience of taking frequency as a unit of measurement, the standard theory of reinforcement lacks of comprehensiveness when fails to describe its relations with phylogeny, with another response classes besides the one that reinforcer is made contingent to, and with the indirect outcomes of the systematic application or reinforcement. A theory restricted to the measure of frequency or rate is no longer tenable, considering the datum available on operant literature.

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Published

2020-09-11

Issue

Section

Artigos históricos, interpretativos, teóricos, conceituais ou de discussão profissional

How to Cite

Other functions of the reinforcer: reflections on the description of reinforcement. (2020). Brazilian Journal of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.31505/rbtcc.v22i1.1185