What is Noncontingent Reinforcement (NCR)?

• A. Reinforcing on a time-based schedule regardless of the target behavior to reduce motivation for problem behavior.
• B. Reinforcing only after the problem behavior occurs.
• C. Reinforcing contingent on correct response.
• D. Withholding reinforcement to decrease motivation.

Answer: (A)

Noncontingent Reinforcement means delivering reinforcement on a time-based schedule regardless of what the learner does. The idea is to reduce the motivation to engage in problem behavior by making reinforcement freely available, so the behavior isn’t strengthened by a contingent gain. Because reinforcement is provided independent of any specific action, the contingent relation that typically maintains the problem behavior is weakened. This approach is often used when the behavior is maintained by automatic reinforcement or by access to attention or tangibles, and it can be implemented as fixed or variable interval schedules, with gradual thinning if appropriate.