Group Contingencies in the Classroom

Questions and Answers

What should you consider if one student consistently fails to hand in her homework in the Good Behavior Game?

Implement an individual contingency for this individual.

In which circumstance might a dependent group contingency be particularly helpful?

When one member of the group seeks the approval of other members more than the teacher.

Which group contingency would be most appropriate to decrease the aggression of a member who will respond to peer pressure?

Dependent.

Which group contingency would you use to decrease the aggression of a member who will not respond to peer pressure?

Independent. Signup and view all the answers

What type of group contingency might you see to decrease the aggression of two children who won’t respond to peer pressure?

Independent. Signup and view all the answers

What does a dependent group contingency mean?

Reinforcement for the group is contingent upon the behavior of one or a few individuals. Signup and view all the answers

Which types of group contingencies exert control over desirable behavior through social contingencies?

Dependent and interdependent group contingencies and the Good Behavior Game. Signup and view all the answers

What is the Good Behavior Game?

A structure where teams earn rewards based on their behavioral performance. Signup and view all the answers

How should you monitor when using an interdependent group contingency?

Individual and group data. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a Good Behavior Game in a workplace?

The team that earns the most each month gets a 5% bonus. Signup and view all the answers

What results in an independent group contingency?

I'll be getting my reward; will you be getting yours? Signup and view all the answers

What phrase is likely to be associated with an interdependent group contingency?

Ok gang, let's all pull and make sure nobody slips up. Signup and view all the answers

How can members of a group who meet criteria increase reinforcement chances in interdependent or dependent contingencies?

Bullying and coercing the underperformers to perform better. Signup and view all the answers

What might be said as a result of the Good Behavior Game?

Our team is going to get more points than your team. Signup and view all the answers

In which circumstance might an interdependent or independent group contingency be particularly helpful?

When the behavior of a majority of members of the group needs to be changed. Signup and view all the answers

How can group members help underperformers in interdependent or dependent contingencies?

Showing the underperforming members of the group what to do. Signup and view all the answers

Which interventions can group members use to increase reinforcement chances?

(All the above). Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to effectively handle a subgroup of girls who pick on another subgroup?

Divide the group into two teams, putting the aggressors and victims on both teams. Signup and view all the answers

What results from a dependent group contingency?

Thanks for getting us more recess time. Signup and view all the answers

What does an interdependent group contingency mean?

Reinforcement for each member of the group is contingent upon the behavior of the group as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of the Good Behavior Game in a classroom?

The entire group gets 5 extra minutes of recess if the noise level stays below a certain level. Signup and view all the answers

What is an independent group-oriented contingency?

The same contingency applies to all members of the group, but reinforcement for each individual is contingent upon his/her behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Group Contingencies Overview

Group contingencies are strategies where reinforcement is based on the behavior of individuals within a group or the group as a whole.
Approaches include dependent, independent, and interdependent contingencies, each influencing behavior differently.

Good Behavior Game

The Good Behavior Game involves dividing a group into teams to encourage positive behavior through competition.
Teams earn rewards based on their overall behavior, promoting peer accountability.

Individual Contingency Implementation

In cases where a single individual hinders group progress (e.g., failing to submit homework), implementing an individual contingency can help address specific behaviors.

Dependent Group Contingency

Reinforcement for the group relies on the behavior of one or a few individuals.
Useful when one member seeks approval from peers more than authority figures.

Independent Group Contingency

Each individual’s reinforcement is based on their behavior, not influenced by the performance of others.
Effective for students who may not respond to peer pressure and allows for individual recognition.

Interdependent Group Contingency

Group reinforcement is contingent upon the overall behavior of the group.
Promotes teamwork but can lead to bullying or pressure on underperformers.

Behavior Monitoring and Data Collection

Individual and group performance should be consistently monitored to assess the effectiveness of any contingency plan.
Baseline data helps in setting realistic criteria for reinforcement.

Addressing Aggression in Groups

Strategies vary based on whether the target individual responds to peer pressure.
For those who do not respond, independent contingencies may be more appropriate, allowing for discreet intervention.

Ethical Considerations

Individualization is critical; interventions should consider the unique needs of each student.
Ethical critiques focus on the risk of reinforcing negative behaviors or social dynamics.

Practical Applications

In a classroom scenario with excessive noise at lunch, a collective reward system encourages students to monitor their own and each other’s behavior.
Using teams can effectively manage disruptive behaviors, provided students are grouped thoughtfully to balance dynamics.

Key Phrases

"I’ll be getting my reward; will you be getting yours?" indicates individual accountability in independent contingencies.
"Let’s all pull together" emphasizes teamwork in interdependent systems.
Results of various contingency types hinge on how students interact and support one another to achieve collective goals.

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Description

This quiz focuses on understanding group contingencies, particularly through the lens of the Good Behavior Game. It explores strategies for improving individual and team performance, with an emphasis on individualized interventions. Test your knowledge of how to balance group rewards with the needs of individual students.