Which term describes an antecedent intervention that delivers reinforcers on a fixed time schedule, regardless of behavior?

Which term describes an antecedent intervention that delivers reinforcers on a fixed time schedule, regardless of behavior?

• A. Antecedent interventions
• B. Environmental enrichment
• C. Task modification
• D. Noncontingent reinforcement

Answer: (D)

Noncontingent reinforcement is an antecedent intervention that delivers reinforcers on a fixed-time schedule, regardless of what the learner is doing. The idea is to provide regular access to reinforcement without requiring a specific response, so the reinforcement becomes available independently of behavior. This can reduce the motivation to engage in problem behaviors that have been reinforced by receiving attention or other rewards contingent on them, because the learner’s need for reinforcement is being met upfront on a predictable schedule. In short, reinforcement is timed and predictable, not earned through a target behavior.

Noncontingent reinforcement is an antecedent intervention that delivers reinforcers on a fixed-time schedule, regardless of what the learner is doing. The idea is to provide regular access to reinforcement without requiring a specific response, so the reinforcement becomes available independently of behavior. This can reduce the motivation to engage in problem behaviors that have been reinforced by receiving attention or other rewards contingent on them, because the learner’s need for reinforcement is being met upfront on a predictable schedule. In short, reinforcement is timed and predictable, not earned through a target behavior.