Optimizing Dimensions of Reinforcement

Conditions

• Autism
• Intellectual Disabilities (F70-F79)

Eligibility Criteria

Sex

ALL

Age

6 Years - 17 Years

Healthy Volunteers

Not accepted

Interventions

• Operant Conditioning Tasks with Reinforcement Manipulations — BEHAVIORAL
  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.

Study Details

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.

Key Dates

Start date

Oct 7, 2024

Status verified

Aug 2025

Primary completion

Aug 31, 2026

Completion

Aug 31, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment

30 participants (estimated)

Allocation

NA

Intervention model

SINGLE_GROUP

Primary purpose

BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

• Experimental: Single-Arm: Manipulation of Reinforcement Schedules
  Participants will complete an operant conditioning task in which reinforcement schedules are systematically manipulated to evaluate changes in response patterns. All participants receive the same sequence of experimental conditions, which involve varying the availability and distribution of points exchangeable for preferred items or activities. No health-related treatment is provided; the procedures are designed to examine basic behavioral processes related to reinforcement dynamics.

Primary Outcome Measure

Change in rate of behavior across schedules [ Time Frame: 3 months ]

Locations (3)

Find similar trials in Auburn, AL

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