Abstract
Magnitude of self-reinforcement (SR+) and self-punishment, (SR-) was investigated in a pseudoperceptual task as a function of both the pattern (variable or consistent) of previous external reinforcement and the direction of current, nonspecific feedback (e.g., "You're getting better" or "You're getting worse"). Working from a model which assumes SR to be based on an individual's discrimination of the discrepancy between current performance and a pre-set standard, it was hypothesized that a standard (50% accuracy) established under consistent prior performances would produce greater magnitude SR+ (with current increments in performance) and SR- (with current performance decrements) than would the identical standard derived from a variable prior pattern of reward. A trials effect was also expected. Results confirmed the hypotheses. Implications for behavior change via self-evaluative and self-reinforcement techniques are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 381-390 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Behavior Therapy |
Volume | 5 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 1974 |
Externally published | Yes |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Psychology