ABA glossary
Noncontingent reinforcement
Also called NCR
Definition
Delivering a reinforcer on a fixed-time or variable-time schedule, independent of the person's behavior, to reduce motivation for problem behavior maintained by that reinforcer.
In plain words
NCR is an antecedent strategy: the person gets the reinforcer for free, on a schedule, before the problem behavior has a chance to occur. If a child gets attention every 2 minutes no matter what, there is less reason to scream for attention. NCR works mainly by reducing the motivating operation (the person has less need for the reinforcer) and by weakening the link between the problem behavior and the reinforcer. It usually starts with a dense schedule and is thinned gradually.
Example from a session
Sam's calling out is maintained by teacher attention. His plan has the RBT give Sam brief attention every 2 minutes on a vibrating timer (fixed time 2 minutes), whether or not he called out, such as a comment on his work or a quick high-five. When the timer goes off right after a call-out, the RBT waits a few seconds so attention does not directly follow calling out, as the plan specifies.
For BCBA candidates and supervisors
NCR uses the reinforcer that maintains the problem behavior (identified by an FBA) or, for automatically maintained behavior, a competing stimulus. Analysts often begin with a schedule based on baseline IRTs and thin it as problem behavior stays low. Risks include adventitious reinforcement when NCR delivery coincides with problem behavior, and reduced motivation for appropriate behavior such as mands, so NCR is often combined with teaching a replacement response. NCR is often easier for caregivers to carry out and accept than extinction alone, and it can reduce extinction bursts when the two are combined.
Often confused with differential reinforcement of other behavior, fixed interval
NCR delivers the reinforcer on time alone, whatever the person is doing. DRO delivers it only if the problem behavior has not occurred during the interval. A fixed-interval schedule requires a response after the time passes, so it is a reinforcement schedule for behavior, not NCR.
Exam tip
If the stem says reinforcement is delivered "every X minutes regardless of behavior," the answer is NCR on a fixed-time schedule. If it mentions "on average" with no response required, it is a variable-time schedule.
Can you spot noncontingent reinforcement in a scenario?
Practice RBT D.2 with exam-style questions and instant feedback.