An Application of Reinforcement Principles to Development of Motor Skilis of a Young Child

An unusually low rate of vigorous physical activity of a preschool child was changed to a normal rate through systematic social reinforcement of climbing behavior on a specific piece of play-yard equipment. Initially, a high rate of climbing was developed by a teacher's giving her attention contingent upon contact with the piece of equipment and withholding her attention for other behaviors as far as possible. A reversal of these contingencies reduced the climbing behavior, and later reinstatement again produced a high climbing rate. Climbing behavior was then generalized to other playyard equipment by reinforcing the subject's use of this equipment.