Music Lessons and Books as Reinforcement Alternatives for an Academic Task

Abstract

While studies of effective reinforcers for academic subject matter have been extensive, the effect of possible subject matter gain for that subject when used as reinforcement for another subject has only recently been investigated. Initial studies indicated that correct math scores increased as a function of a televised music contingency for subjects who were reinforced for correct academic responses. These studies also demonstrated that subjects showed a significant music subject matter gain. The present study investigated two academic rewards as contingencies for correct math responses: receipt of books and televised music lessons. The study used an extended reversal design and was conducted by a regular classroom teacher. Results indicated that both receipt of books and televised music lessons functioned to increase math performance. More importantly, there was significant pre-, mid-, and posttest gain in music subject matter in direct relationship to subjects' viewing televised lessons.

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