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Adjusting Variables to Enhance Reinforcer Efficacy

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Title: Adjusting Variables to Enhance Reinforcer Efficacy
Language: English
Authors: Sarah Quinn (ORCID 0000-0002-7309-0110), Menaka De Alwis (ORCID 0009-0002-6197-985X), Marina Crain
Source: Intervention in School and Clinic. 2026 61(3):133-141.
Availability: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 9
Publication Date: 2026
Sponsoring Agency: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) (ED/OSERS)
Contract Number: H325D190064
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: Reinforcement, Student Behavior, Behavior Modification, Influences
DOI: 10.1177/10534512251388918
ISSN: 1053-4512
1538-4810
Abstract: 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 does not 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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1493291
Database: ERIC
FullText Text:
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  Data: Adjusting Variables to Enhance Reinforcer Efficacy
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Sarah+Quinn%22">Sarah Quinn</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7309-0110">0000-0002-7309-0110</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Menaka+De+Alwis%22">Menaka De Alwis</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6197-985X">0009-0002-6197-985X</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Marina+Crain%22">Marina Crain</searchLink>
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Intervention+in+School+and+Clinic%22"><i>Intervention in School and Clinic</i></searchLink>. 2026 61(3):133-141.
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  Data: SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
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  Data: Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) (ED/OSERS)
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  Data: 10.1177/10534512251388918
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  Data: 1053-4512<br />1538-4810
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  Data: 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 does not 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.
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  Data: 2026
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      – SubjectFull: Student Behavior
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      – SubjectFull: Behavior Modification
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