RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07137273

Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement

Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement to Enhance Behavioral Interventions

Sponsor

Auburn University

Enrollment

30 participants

Start Date

Oct 7, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Autism Intellectual Disabilities (F70-F79)

Summary

This study is designed to better understand how certain features of reinforcement affect learning and motivation in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Participants will take part in a series of structured teaching sessions that involve simple tasks and reward-based feedback. By changing the timing and amount of rewards, we aim to learn how these factors influence the ability to acquire and maintain new skills. This information may help improve behavioral interventions for individuals with IDD in the future. The study does not involve medications or procedures intended to change participants' health status.

Eligibility

Min Age: 6 YearsMax Age: 17 Years

Inclusion Criteria7

At least 6 years of age
Documented neurodevelopmental condition
Engagement in problem behavior (e.g., aggression, self-injury, property destruction) that can be measured during study sessions
Ability to follow simple instructions
Ability to participate in tabletop choice-based tasks
Availability to complete all scheduled study sessions
Provision of informed consent by participant or legally authorized representative

Exclusion Criteria3

Severe sensory or motor impairments that would prevent participation in tabletop tasks
Current or recent participation (within the past 30 days) in another interventional behavioral research study that could interfere with study outcomes
Medical or behavioral conditions judged by investigators to pose a safety risk or interfere with data collection

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALOperant Conditioning Tasks with Reinforcement Manipulations

This behavioral intervention involves structured operant conditioning tasks. Reinforcement parameters (e.g., schedule arrangement, magnitude, and probability) are systematically manipulated to evaluate their effects on behavioral allocation. The primary objective is to assess how variations in reinforcement contingencies influence choice patterns. The procedures are designed to examine fundamental behavioral processes rather than to provide therapeutic benefit.