Aversive control versus stimulus control by punishment.

Estes (1944) reported that adding electric shock punishment to extinction hastened response suppression but that responding increased when shock was removed. This result contributed to a view that reinforcement and punishment are asymmetrical processes because punishment has only indirect and temporary suppressive effects. Azrin and Holz (1966) suggested the result might be interpreted instead as shock serving as a discriminative stimulus for the absence of reinforcement. Here, to further examine potential stimulus control by punishment in a similar preparation, two groups of rats initially responded for food plus punishment and a third group for food alone. Reinforcement was then removed for all groups for the remaining three phases. With P and N denoting punishment and no punishment, the four phases for the three groups were: P-P-N-N, P-N-P-N, and N-P-N-N. We found some evidence for stimulus control by shock deliveries for group N-P-N-N (as suggested by Azrin and Holz), but all other changes in responding appeared due to introduction or removal of the aversive properties of shock. Although punishment may indeed have temporary effects under many circumstances, we argue that the view that this implies asymmetrical reinforcement and punishment processes was based on the flawed assumption that reinforcement has direct strengthening effects.

The aversiveness of timeout from response-dependent and response-independent food deliveries as a function of delivery rate.

Seven experiments with rats assessed the aversiveness of timeout using punishment and avoidance procedures. Experiments 1 and 2 considered the contributions of stimulus change, suspending the response-reinforcer contingency, response prevention, the general disruption in the reinforcement schedule during time-in, and overall decreases in reinforcement. Results support the conclusion that response-contingent timeouts punish behavior because they are signaled periods during which an ongoing schedule of positive reinforcement is suspended. Experiments 3, 4, and 5 assessed effects of the reinforcement rate during time-in on the punitive efficacy of timeout and, for comparison, electric shock. Evidence for a direct relation between reinforcement rate and punitive efficacy was equivocal. In Experiments 6 and 7, responding avoided timeout from response-independent food deliveries. Responding was acquired rapidly when it avoided timeouts from free deliveries of pellets or a sucrose solution, but not when it avoided free deliveries of water. At steady-state, avoidance rates and proficiency were directly related to the rate of pellet or sucrose deliveries. The relation between the nature of the time-in environment and the aversiveness of timeout was clear in our avoidance experiments, but not in our punishment experiments. We discuss interpretive problems in evaluating the aversiveness of timeout in the punishment paradigm.

Efeitos de um Análogo de Reforçamento Negativo sobre a Seleção de Culturantes / Effects of an Analogue of Negative Reinforcement on the Selection of Culturants

Resumo O presente estudo investigou os efeitos de um análogo de reforçamento negativo sobre a seleção de culturantes e, diferentemente de estudos anteriores, buscou eliminar a interferência da punição negativa de outros culturantes. Três microculturas de laboratório, com três participantes cada, foram expostas a um delineamento ABAB. Os participantes escolhiam entre linhas coloridas e numeradas de 1 a 10. Na condição de Reforçamento Positivo (A), os culturantes-alvo produziam consequências culturais. Na condição de Reforçamento Negativo (B), as consequências culturais eram subtraídas a cada 30s, mas os culturantes-alvo podiam adiar a perda dessas consequências. O análogo de reforçamento negativo, assim como o de reforçamento positivo, selecionou os culturantes-alvo sem a interferência de contingências punitivas acidentais.

Abstract The present research investigated the effect of a negative reinforcement analog on the selection of culturants and, unlike previous studies, sought to eliminate the interference of the negative punishment of other culturants. Three laboratory microcultures, with three participants in each of them, were exposed to an ABAB design. The participants chose between colored lines, numbered from 1 to 10. In the Positive Reinforcement condition (A), target culturants produced cultural consequences. In the Negative Reinforcement condition (B), cultural consequences were subtracted every 30 seconds, but target culturants could delay the loss of those consequences. The analog of negative reinforcement, as well as that of positive reinforcement, selected target culturants without the interference of accidental punitive contingencies.

Assessing functions of stimuli associated with rich-to-lean transitions using a choice procedure.

Under fixed-ratio schedules, transitions from more to less favorable conditions of reinforcement (rich-to-lean transitions) usually generate extended pausing. One possible explanation for this effect is that stimuli associated with rich-to-lean transitions are aversive and, thus, extended pausing functions as escape. The purpose of this study was to characterize further the aversive function of different transitions, and the stimuli associated with them, by allowing pigeons to choose to complete select ratios in the presence of either a mixed-schedule stimulus or a transition-specific multiple-schedule stimulus. The mixed schedule was preferred during transitions that signaled an upcoming lean reinforcer (rich-to-lean and lean-to-lean), whereas the multiple schedule was preferred during transitions that signaled an upcoming rich reinforcer (lean-to-rich and rich-to-rich). These findings support the notion that stimuli associated with rich-to-lean (and to some extent lean-to-lean) transitions can function aversively; whereas stimuli associated with other transitions (e.g., lean-to-rich and rich-to-rich) can function as conditioned reinforcers. When the opportunity to choose between schedule-correlated stimuli was available, however, choice latency was controlled exclusively by the multiple-schedule stimulus. That is, the opportunity to select the mixed schedule did not attenuate rich-to-lean pauses, suggesting that extended pausing may be more than simply escape.

Predator videos and electric shock function as punishers for zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are a promising animal model for studying the effects of gene-environment interactions on behavior. Two experiments were conducted to assess punishment effects of presenting predator videos (Indian leaf fish; Nandus nandus) and electric shock on operant approach responses in zebrafish. In Experiment 1, the predator video and shock stimuli were presented upon a response maintained by a single variable-interval schedule of food reinforcement in different groups of fish. In Experiment 2, the predator video and shock stimuli were presented upon one of two response alternatives maintain by concurrently available variable-interval schedules of food reinforcement in different groups of fish. Responding decreased when the predator video and shock stimuli were presented relative to their absence in both experiments. Moreover, responding on an unpunished alternative did not reliably decrease in Experiment 2. These results indicate that the decrease in responding resulted from the punishment contingency rather than from elicited species-specific defense responses or conditioned avoidance. Thus, the predator video and electric shock functioned as punishers of operant behavior for zebrafish. Identifying punishers for this species could lead to research on how gene-environment interactions influence individual differences in sensitivity to punishment.

The effects of 100 dB 1-kHz and 22-kHz tones as punishers on lever pressing in rats.

Aversive control is an important yet understudied process of learning. One reason aversive control may be relatively understudied is ethical concerns about painful stimuli (e.g., electric shock). High decibel broad-band noise and 22-kHz vocalizations both demonstrably affect rodent behavior while not necessarily being painful. The goal of this study was to determine if 100-dB 22-kHz-pure tones were differentially more effective in reducing operant response rates in rats. We examined whether 22-kHz pure tones would function as aversive stimuli, specifically as positive punishers. The effects of response-dependent as well as continuously presented 22-kHz and 1-kHz tones on rate of response maintained by variable interval 30-s food deliveries were assessed across several conditions. We found that response rates were lower when tones were presented response dependently than when tones were presented continuously throughout a session. We also found that the lower response rates obtained with response-dependent 22-kHz tones were not significantly different from response rates obtained with response-dependent 1-kHz tones. The primary conclusion of this experiment is that both 1-kHz and 22-kHz tones functioned as punishers, but that the 22-kHz tones were not differentially more effective in reducing response rate.

Walden Two: Uma sociedade utópica não aversiva? / Walden Two: A non-aversive utopian society?

A ficção Walden Two (Skinner, 1948/1975) retrata uma sociedade cujas práticas sociais são baseadas em princípios científicos da Análise do Comportamento. A proposta envolve basicamente o uso de reforço positivo em contraste, com as sociedades reais, nas quais o controle aversivo seria um traço quase onipresente. Seria Walden Two de fato uma sociedade culturalmente planejada apenas em contingências de reforçamento positivo? O controle aversivo estaria ausente das relações sociais? O presente trabalho teve como objetivo geral investigar sistematicamente a presença ou não de controle aversivo no livro Walden Two. A obra foi examinada identificando-se os trechos que continham palavras-chave relacionadas ao controle aversivo. Observou-se que em três momentos específicos o controle aversivo é prescrito. Discute-se o uso inapropriado de Walden Two como um representante de uma sociedade não coercitiva assim como a necessidade de se reavaliar o papel (científico e ético) do próprio controle aversivo nas relações sociais, planejadas ou não.(AU)

The fiction novel Walden Two (Skinner, 1948/1975) depicts a society in which the social practices are based in the scientific principles of Behavior Analysis. It involves, basically, the use of positive reinforcement, in contrast to the real societies where aversive control is ubiquitous. Would ‘Walden Two’ really be a culturally planned society based strictly on positive reinforcement contingencies? The present essay is a systematic investigation of the presence or absence of aversive control in Walden Two. The novel was examined, identifying excerpts with key words related to aversive control. Three specific situations were identified, described and analyzed. We argue the inappropriate use of Walden Two as a model of non-coercive society and the need of reevaluating the role of aversive control itself in social relationships, planned or not.(AU)

Walden Two: uma sociedade utópica não aversiva? / Walden Two: a non-aversive utopian society?

A ficção Walden Two (Skinner, 1948/1975) retrata uma sociedade cujas práticas sociais são baseadas em princípios científicos da Análise do Comportamento. A proposta envolve basicamente o uso de reforço positivo em contraste, com as sociedades reais, nas quais o controle aversivo seria um traço quase onipresente. Seria Walden Two de fato uma sociedade culturalmente planejada apenas em contingências de reforçamento positivo? O controle aversivo estaria ausente das relações sociais? O presente trabalho teve como objetivo geral investigar sistematicamente a presença ou não de controle aversivo no livro Walden Two. A obra foi examinada identificando-se os trechos que continham palavras-chave relacionadas ao controle aversivo. Observou-se que em três momentos específicos o controle aversivo é prescrito. Discute-se o uso inapropriado de Walden Two como um representante de uma sociedade não coercitiva assim como a necessidade de se reavaliar o papel (científico e ético) do próprio controle aversivo nas relações sociais, planejadas ou não.

The fiction novel Walden Two (Skinner, 1948/1975) depicts a society in which the social practices are based in the scientific principles of Behavior Analysis. It involves, basically, the use of positive reinforcement, in contrast to the real societies where aversive control is ubiquitous. Would ‘Walden Two’ really be a culturally planned society based strictly on positive reinforcement contingencies? The present essay is a systematic investigation of the presence or absence of aversive control in Walden Two. The novel was examined, identifying excerpts with key words related to aversive control. Three specific situations were identified, described and analyzed. We argue the inappropriate use of Walden Two as a model of non-coercive society and the need of reevaluating the role of aversive control itself in social relationships, planned or not.

Longitudinal investigation on learned helplessness tested under negative and positive reinforcement involving stimulus control.

In this study, we investigated whether (a) animals demonstrating the learned helplessness effect during an escape contingency also show learning deficits under positive reinforcement contingencies involving stimulus control and (b) the exposure to positive reinforcement contingencies eliminates the learned helplessness effect under an escape contingency. Rats were initially exposed to controllable (C), uncontrollable (U) or no (N) shocks. After 24h, they were exposed to 60 escapable shocks delivered in a shuttlebox. In the following phase, we selected from each group the four subjects that presented the most typical group pattern: no escape learning (learned helplessness effect) in Group U and escape learning in Groups C and N. All subjects were then exposed to two phases, the (1) positive reinforcement for lever pressing under a multiple FR/Extinction schedule and (2) a re-test under negative reinforcement (escape). A fourth group (n=4) was exposed only to the positive reinforcement sessions. All subjects showed discrimination learning under multiple schedule. In the escape re-test, the learned helplessness effect was maintained for three of the animals in Group U. These results suggest that the learned helplessness effect did not extend to discriminative behavior that is positively reinforced and that the learned helplessness effect did not revert for most subjects after exposure to positive reinforcement. We discuss some theoretical implications as related to learned helplessness as an effect restricted to aversive contingencies and to the absence of reversion after positive reinforcement. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: insert SI title.

B. F. Skinner e o uso do controle aversivo: um estudo conceitual / B. F. Skinner and the use of aversive control: a conceptual study

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) é frequentemente citado como representante de um posicionamento contrário ao uso de controle aversivo. Entretanto, observa-se certa divergência, na literatura comportamental, quanto à postura de Skinner a esse respeito. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e analisar em quais momentos Skinner prescreve ou adverte sobre o uso do controle aversivo. Um estudo conceitual foi realizado, no qual oito obras (Skinner 1938/1991; 1948/1975; 1953/1989; 1968/1972; 1969/1980; 1971; 1974/2006; 1989) foram analisadas conforme as categorias: 1) a definição de controle aversivo e conceitos envolvidos; 2) os aspectos negativos do controle aversivo e proibições; e 3) os aspectos positivos do controle aversivo e prescrições. Por fim, não foi possível encontrar uma definição específica de controle aversivo, e constatou-se que em determinados momentos Skinner justifica o uso deste tipo de controle, mas não o prescreve genericamente.(AU)

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) is frequently cited as having a contrary position on the use of aversive control. However, in certain passages Skinner presents a more flexible opinion about the use of this type of behavioral control. The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyze the passages where Skinner prescribes or warns about such use. A conceptual study was conducted involving eight Skinner works (Skinner 1938/1991, 1948/1975, 1953/1989, 1968/1972, 1969/1980, 1971, 1974/2006, 1989), analyzed according to the following categories: 1) the definition of aversive control and concepts involved; 2) the negative aspects of aversive control and prohibitions; and 3) the positive aspects of aversive control and its recommendations. It wasn't possible to find a specific definition of aversive control and it was observed that at certain moments Skinner justifies the use of aversive control, but does not prescribe it in general.(AU)

B. F. Skinner e o uso do controle aversivo: um estudo conceitual / B. F. Skinner and the use of aversive control: a conceptual study

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) é frequentemente citado como representante de um posicionamento contrário ao uso de controle aversivo. Entretanto, observa-se certa divergência, na literatura comportamental, quanto à postura de Skinner a esse respeito. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo identificar e analisar em quais momentos Skinner prescreve ou adverte sobre o uso do controle aversivo. Um estudo conceitual foi realizado, no qual oito obras (Skinner 1938/1991; 1948/1975; 1953/1989; 1968/1972; 1969/1980; 1971; 1974/2006; 1989) foram analisadas conforme as categorias: 1) a definição de controle aversivo e conceitos envolvidos; 2) os aspectos negativos do controle aversivo e proibições; e 3) os aspectos positivos do controle aversivo e prescrições. Por fim, não foi possível encontrar uma definição específica de controle aversivo, e constatou-se que em determinados momentos Skinner justifica o uso deste tipo de controle, mas não o prescreve genericamente.

B. F. Skinner (1904-1990) is frequently cited as having a contrary position on the use of aversive control. However, in certain passages Skinner presents a more flexible opinion about the use of this type of behavioral control. The purpose of the present study was to identify and analyze the passages where Skinner prescribes or warns about such use. A conceptual study was conducted involving eight Skinner works (Skinner 1938/1991, 1948/1975, 1953/1989, 1968/1972, 1969/1980, 1971, 1974/2006, 1989), analyzed according to the following categories: 1) the definition of aversive control and concepts involved; 2) the negative aspects of aversive control and prohibitions; and 3) the positive aspects of aversive control and its recommendations. It wasn't possible to find a specific definition of aversive control and it was observed that at certain moments Skinner justifies the use of aversive control, but does not prescribe it in general.

Discriminated conditioned suppression in rats

This experiment evaluated the effects of superimposing the Estes-Skinner Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) procedure on one of two components of a multiple schedule. The question was whether CER conditioning occurred under contextual control. The procedure had four experimental phases: (1) baseline of operant responding under a two-component multiple schedule (mult VI 30 VI 30), one component correlated with the house light on and the other correlated with the house light off (light/dark components), (2) introduction of tone-shock pairings during the light component only, (3) return to baseline contingencies, and (4) reintroduction of the tone (but not shock) in the light component. Three Wistar rats showed robust suppression of responding in the light component, and the suppression also partially generalized to the dark component. The suppression was stronger during the pre-aversive stimulus than during the intervals immediately before and after its presentation. Responding partially recovered under baseline contingencies, but response rates remained lower in the light component than in the dark component. Thus, under the present experimental conditions, the context in which CER conditioning occurred (i.e., the house light-illuminated chamber) also produced conditioned suppression, and contextual control of suppressed responding generalized to another context, one that shared some but not all elements of the first context (i.e., the same chamber not illuminated by a house light). These results have direct implications for our understanding of emotional conditioning produced in the laboratory and for analysis of related phenomena addressed in the clinic.(AU)

Reversão de ansiedade à matemática: alguns dados da literatura / Reversion of mathematics anxiety: some data from literature / Reversión de ansiedad a las matemáticas: algunos datos de la literatura

A ansiedade em relação à matemática é um fenômeno que compreende reações emocionais negativas diante de situações que requisitam o uso de conhecimentos matemáticos. É particularmente identificada no contexto escolar e está diretamente relacionada a experiências inadequadas de ensino dessa disciplina. O objetivo do presente artigo é fornecer um panorama atualizado da literatura que trata especificamente de um fenômeno chamado de ansiedade em relação à matemática. Inicialmente serão expostos a definição e os conceitos principais relacionados ao fenômeno em foco e, em seguida, alguns estudos acerca da reversão da ansiedade em relação à matemática. Por fim, serão apontadas algumas implicações para a pesquisa e para o desenvolvimento de programas brasileiros que visam ajudar indivíduos que apresentem ansiedade em relação à matemática.(AU)

Mathematics anxiety is a phenomenon composed by negative emotional reactions in situations that require the use of mathematics knowledge. It is particularly present in school context, and is directly related to inadequate teaching experiences of that subject matter. The present article aims to convey an up to date panorama of the literature that leads specifically with a phenomenon known as mathematics anxiety. Initially, there will be exposed the definition and the main concepts related to the phenomenon as well as some studies about the reversion of mathematics anxiety. Finally, some implications to future researches and to the development of Brazilian programs to help individuals with mathematics anxiety are pointed out.(AU)

La ansiedad a las matemáticas es un fenómeno compuesto por reacciones emocionales negativas delante de situaciones que requieren el uso de conocimientos matemáticos. Es particularmente reconocida en el contexto escolar y está directamente relacionada a experiencias inadecuadas de enseñanza de esa disciplina. El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una visión actualizada de la literatura que trata específicamente de un fenómeno llamado ansiedad a las matemáticas. Inicialmente serán presentados la definición y los principales conceptos relacionados con el fenómeno en foco y, a continuación, algunos estudios sobre la reversión de la ansiedad a las matemáticas. Finalmente, serán señaladas algunas implicaciones para la investigación y para el desarrollo de programas brasileños destinados a ayudar a las personas que presentan ansiedad a las matemáticas.(AU)

Discriminated conditioned suppression in rats

This experiment evaluated the effects of superimposing the Estes-Skinner Conditioned Emotional Response (CER) procedure on one of two components of a multiple schedule. The question was whether CER conditioning occurred under contextual control. The procedure had four experimental phases: (1) baseline of operant responding under a two-component multiple schedule (mult VI 30 VI 30), one component correlated with the house light on and the other correlated with the house light off (light/dark components), (2) introduction of tone-shock pairings during the light component only, (3) return to baseline contingencies, and (4) reintroduction of the tone (but not shock) in the light component. Three Wistar rats showed robust suppression of responding in the light component, and the suppression also partially generalized to the dark component. The suppression was stronger during the pre-aversive stimulus than during the intervals immediately before and after its presentation. Responding partially recovered under baseline contingencies, but response rates remained lower in the light component than in the dark component. Thus, under the present experimental conditions, the context in which CER conditioning occurred (i.e., the house light-illuminated chamber) also produced conditioned suppression, and contextual control of suppressed responding generalized to another context, one that shared some but not all elements of the first context (i.e., the same chamber not illuminated by a house light). These results have direct implications for our understanding of emotional conditioning produced in the laboratory and for analysis of related phenomena addressed in the clinic.

Reversão de ansiedade à matemática: alguns dados da literatura / Reversion of mathematics anxiety: some data from literature / Reversión de ansiedad a las matemáticas: algunos datos de la literatura

A ansiedade em relação à matemática é um fenômeno que compreende reações emocionais negativas diante de situações que requisitam o uso de conhecimentos matemáticos. É particularmente identificada no contexto escolar e está diretamente relacionada a experiências inadequadas de ensino dessa disciplina. O objetivo do presente artigo é fornecer um panorama atualizado da literatura que trata especificamente de um fenômeno chamado de ansiedade em relação à matemática. Inicialmente serão expostos a definição e os conceitos principais relacionados ao fenômeno em foco e, em seguida, alguns estudos acerca da reversão da ansiedade em relação à matemática. Por fim, serão apontadas algumas implicações para a pesquisa e para o desenvolvimento de programas brasileiros que visam ajudar indivíduos que apresentem ansiedade em relação à matemática.

Mathematics anxiety is a phenomenon composed by negative emotional reactions in situations that require the use of mathematics knowledge. It is particularly present in school context, and is directly related to inadequate teaching experiences of that subject matter. The present article aims to convey an up to date panorama of the literature that leads specifically with a phenomenon known as mathematics anxiety. Initially, there will be exposed the definition and the main concepts related to the phenomenon as well as some studies about the reversion of mathematics anxiety. Finally, some implications to future researches and to the development of Brazilian programs to help individuals with mathematics anxiety are pointed out.

La ansiedad a las matemáticas es un fenómeno compuesto por reacciones emocionales negativas delante de situaciones que requieren el uso de conocimientos matemáticos. Es particularmente reconocida en el contexto escolar y está directamente relacionada a experiencias inadecuadas de enseñanza de esa disciplina. El objetivo de este artículo es ofrecer una visión actualizada de la literatura que trata específicamente de un fenómeno llamado ansiedad a las matemáticas. Inicialmente serán presentados la definición y los principales conceptos relacionados con el fenómeno en foco y, a continuación, algunos estudios sobre la reversión de la ansiedad a las matemáticas. Finalmente, serán señaladas algunas implicaciones para la investigación y para el desarrollo de programas brasileños destinados a ayudar a las personas que presentan ansiedad a las matemáticas.

Programação de contingências reforçadoras no fortalecimento de repertórios pró-sociais no contexto escolar / Reinforcement contingencies programming to strengthen pro-social repertoire in the school context

O presente estudo investigou o efeito de contingências reforçadoras sobre o aumento de comportamentos pró-sociais dos alunos no contexto escolar. O Behaviorismo Radical dispõe de um arsenal poderoso para contribuir na melhoria da Educação. Destaca-se o princípio do reforçamento positivo. Vinte alunos, três professores/monitores e a coordenadora participaram desse estudo nas seguintes condições experimentais: Linha de Base e Intervenção - exposição de princípios derivados da Análise do Comportamento aos professores/monitores, coordenadora e realização de atividades destacando comportamentos pró-sociais com os alunos. Os resultados indicaram redução na freqüência de comportamentos anti-sociais, aumento na freqüência de comportamentos pró-sociais, maior participação dos alunos nas atividades programadas pela instituição e redução na freqüência do uso do controle aversivo pelos professores/monitores, sustentando que as contingências reforçadoras foram eficazes no fortalecimento de comportamentos pró-sociais(AU)

The present study investigated the effect of reinforcing contingencies on the increase in the prosocial behavior of students in the school context. Radical Behaviorism has a powerful arsenal to contribute to improvement in Education, especially the positive reinforcement principle. Twenty students, three teachers and the school co-coordinator participated in this study. The experimental conditions were: Baseline and intervention, presentation of the principles of experimental analysis to teachers and the school coordinator and the practice of activities that focus on pro-social behavior with the students. The results indicate a reduction in the frequency of anti-social behavior, an increase in pro-social behavior, increased student participation in the school’s program of activities and a reduction in the frequency of aversive control by teachers. These data confirm that reinforcing contingencies were effective in strengthening pro-social behavior(AU)

Programação de contingências reforçadoras no fortalecimento de repertórios pró-sociais no contexto escolar / Reinforcement contingencies programming to strengthen pro-social repertoire in the school context

O presente estudo investigou o efeito de contingências reforçadoras sobre o aumento de comportamentos pró-sociais dos alunos no contexto escolar. O Behaviorismo Radical dispõe de um arsenal poderoso para contribuir na melhoria da Educação. Destaca-se o princípio do reforçamento positivo. Vinte alunos, três professores/monitores e a coordenadora participaram desse estudo nas seguintes condições experimentais: Linha de Base e Intervenção - exposição de princípios derivados da Análise do Comportamento aos professores/monitores, coordenadora e realização de atividades destacando comportamentos pró-sociais com os alunos. Os resultados indicaram redução na frequência de comportamentos anti-sociais, aumento na frequência de comportamentos pró-sociais, maior participação dos alunos nas atividades programadas pela instituição e redução na frequência do uso do controle aversivo pelos professores/monitores, sustentando que as contingências reforçadoras foram eficazes no fortalecimento de comportamentos pró-sociais.

The present study investigated the effect of reinforcing contingencies on the increase in the prosocial behavior of students in the school context. Radical Behaviorism has a powerful arsenal to contribute to improvement in Education, especially the positive reinforcement principle. Twenty students, three teachers and the school co-coordinator participated in this study. The experimental conditions were: Baseline and intervention, presentation of the principles of experimental analysis to teachers and the school coordinator and the practice of activities that focus on pro-social behavior with the students. The results indicate a reduction in the frequency of anti-social behavior, an increase in pro-social behavior, increased student participation in the school’s program of activities and a reduction in the frequency of aversive control by teachers. These data confirm that reinforcing contingencies were effective in strengthening pro-social behavior.