Adjusting Variables to Enhance Reinforcer Efficacy

Reinforcement is a fundamental practice in education and is taught to education professionals as a proactive, positive strategy for reducing challenging behavior, increasing desired behavior, and teaching new skills. When students exhibit behavior that impedes learning, a critical component of developing a behavior intervention plan is understanding what maintains the challenging behavior and providing reinforcement for prosocial replacement behaviors. A common problem of practice occurs when a behavior plan is implemented but doesn’t yield the expected changes in student behavior or only impacts behavior temporarily. This can result in continued challenging behavior, frustration among staff and students, and a decreased likelihood of implementation fidelity in the future. This paper discusses specific variables related to reinforcer efficacy across the dimensions of timing, type, and other influences that can be assessed and adjusted to create positive, lasting change responsive to the student’s needs.