Using course credit as reinforcement for free-style study behavior

• Main Author: Kizer, Philip Lee
• Other Authors: Meunier, Gary F.
• Format: Others
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: Reinforcement (Psychology); School credits.; Independent study.
• Online Access: http://cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/handle/handle/181122; http://liblink.bsu.edu/uhtbin/catkey/415322

Ninety students in an introductory psychology course were each assigned to one of three matched groups, which were levels of multiple-baseline format. For each level, a simple within subjects reversal design was used, in which points were awarded for participation in study sessions during a nine-day, two-week period, preceded and followed by periods when reinforcement was not available. Participation was defined as studying for at least 15 minutes and then completing and scoring the daily quiz in study session. Of the 90 students, only 61 picked up instruction sheets, and of these 27 actually participated in one or more study sessions. The two most significant findings were that course credit points did reinforce participation in study sessions, which was shown by a clear reversal (a return to no participation when points were withdrawn), and that significantly more top than bottom students participated in study sessions (p<.05). No significant sex differences were found.