Applications of the matching law to observe shifts in problem behavior: A proof‐of‐concept study
Brief BST lets parents re-allocate reinforcement at home, and the matching law neatly charts the fall in problem behavior.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Kronfli et al. (2021) coached parents at home. The team used a short BST package: show, tell, practice, and feedback.
Goal: teach moms and dads to shift reinforcement from problem behavior to good behavior. Then watch if the matching law still tracks the change.
What they found
After BST, parents delivered more rewards for appropriate behavior and fewer for problem behavior.
The kids’ problem behavior dropped. Parent reinforcement ratios now matched the new child response ratios — a clean fit to the matching law.
How this fits with other research
Lejuez et al. (2001) saw the same tight fit in a lab with wheel-running rats. The 2021 study moves the matching law from cages to kitchens.
Pear et al. (1984) predicted VI schedules would out-compete problem behavior. Kronfli’s parents used VI praise and got exactly that result.
Caron (2019) warns: don’t pool your data; use multilevel stats instead. The 2021 paper used simple graphs, so future replications should upgrade to Caron’s method.
Capio et al. (2013) trained parents in the full PTR model and also cut problem behavior. Kronfli shows you can get there faster with a lean BST plus matching metrics.
Why it matters
You can teach parents in one evening to move their attention and treats to the right behaviors. The matching law gives you a quick visual check: if the reinforcer ratio matches the response ratio, you’re on track. Next time you write a parent training goal, add “parent reinforcement will match child appropriate responses within 10 %” and graph it live.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
AbstractWe used the matching law to quantify the relation between the relative likelihood of appropriate behavior and problem behavior and the relative likelihood of parent‐delivered reinforcement for those behaviors. First, we conducted an initial descriptive observation in the dyads' homes. Second, we assessed the problem behavior within a clinic where participants were receiving behavior‐analytic services. Third, using behavioral skills training (BST), we taught parents how to implement treatments based on differential reinforcement. Fourth, we conducted a second descriptive observation in the dyads' home. Last, we used the generalized matching law to quantify the relation between the child's response allocation and parent‐delivered reinforcement before and after BST. The relation between the effects of parent‐delivered reinforcement on the relative likelihood of appropriate and problem behavior was well described by the matching law.
Behavioral Interventions, 2021 · doi:10.1002/bin.1810