An Analysis of the Effects of Progressive Ratio Schedules on Client Outcomes

Abstract

To date, very few published studies have examined the clinical application of progressive-ratio (PR) schedules of reinforcement in applied research. Clinical applications of PR schedules may be effective for treatment of problem behaviors and acquisition of skills. Common applications of PR schedules in applied settings have included simple responses (e.g., pressing a button), of relatively low social significance, rather than complex responses (e.g., academic tasks) during assessment. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PR schedules of reinforcement in the identification of highly preferred items and utility in reinforcing correct responding through training in client programming. Unlike previous research, this study used complex responses (e.g., academic tasks) during assessment and examined reinforcer effects on correct responding during client programming. Results showed that PR schedules of reinforcement were effective in identifying reinforcers for all participants, and these reinforcers were effective in increasing correct responding during training and maintenance.