When your child refuses to tidy up their toys, pulls their sibling’s hair, or has a meltdown, the idea of rewarding them may be the last thing on your mind. We completely understand that feeling. However, reinforcing positive behavior, even if it involves offering a reward, can significantly boost the chances of that behavior being repeated in the future. This concept falls within operant conditioning, a learning process where behaviors are modified based on their consequences. As a parent, you can use reinforcement to promote desired behaviors, such as cleaning up toys and avoiding hair-pulling. One particularly effective method for encouraging and motivating your child—without sparking a conflict—is through intermittent reinforcement.
Once a new behavior is established, parents might implement intermittent reinforcement to further solidify that behavior. Instead of reinforcing the behavior every time, intermittent reinforcement means that the desired response is rewarded only occasionally.
What is Intermittent Reinforcement?
Intermittent reinforcement refers to a schedule in which a reward or punishment is given sporadically for the desired behavior. This contrasts with continuous reinforcement, where the child receives a reward every time they perform the desired action. For instance, in a continuous reinforcement scenario, a child would earn an extra hour of screen time for completing their math homework each time. In an intermittent reinforcement scenario, screen time would be awarded after homework completion, but only randomly.
What is an Intermittent Reinforcement Schedule?
An intermittent reinforcement schedule involves varying intervals of time between rewards. While the reward (like screen time) remains consistent, the timing of when it’s given is unpredictable. These intervals might range from one to five days or from two to four hours. This unpredictability encourages your child to maintain their efforts, as they cannot foresee when the reward will be granted.
Why Does This Work?
Consider this: if you received what you wanted (like screen time) every time you performed a task, and then it suddenly stopped, you might assume the reward is no longer available and revert to old habits. However, if you knew that the reward would eventually come, missing it a few times wouldn’t deter you from continuing the behavior. This unpredictability of receiving a reward increases the likelihood of the desired behavior persisting longer than with continuous reinforcement, where rewards are given each time. The anticipation of receiving something desirable boosts motivation and encourages continued effort.
There are four types of intermittent reinforcement schedules, categorized into two groups: interval (time elapsed) and ratio (number of responses). The four schedules are:
- Fixed Interval Schedule: A response is rewarded after a set amount of time.
- Fixed Ratio Schedule: A response is rewarded after a specified number of actions.
- Variable Interval Schedule: A response is rewarded after a random and unpredictable amount of time.
- Variable Ratio Schedule: A response is rewarded after a random number of actions.
Examples of Intermittent Reinforcement
One relatable example of intermittent reinforcement is visiting an arcade. Your child doesn’t win every game or earn the same amount of tickets each time, which creates excitement and anticipation. The unpredictability of winning keeps them engaged. Another scenario is fishing; you may go to the same spot daily without catching the same number of fish, but past successes encourage you to keep trying.
From a parenting perspective, an example of intermittent reinforcement could be the inconsistent discipline of a child who throws tantrums. If a parent disciplines the child only occasionally, this creates an irregular pattern of reinforcement, making the child more uncertain about the consequences of their actions.
For Kids Aged 4 to 7: If your child is playing on their iPad and you give them extra time when they ask, they may expect the same the next time. If you deny them, they could react negatively.
For Kids Aged 8 to 10: If a child consistently asks to switch a healthy lunch item for a snack and you occasionally allow it, they might keep requesting it even after being denied.
This article originally appeared on March 26, 2021. For more insights, you can check out one of our other posts here.
For information regarding home insemination, you might find this resource helpful. Additionally, Progyny is an excellent source for pregnancy-related information.
Summary
Intermittent reinforcement is a powerful tool in parenting that can help solidify positive behaviors in children. By rewarding the desired actions unpredictably, parents can encourage continued compliance and motivation. Understanding how to apply this method effectively can lead to better behavior without unnecessary conflict.
SEO Metadata
Leave a Reply