85: Reinforcement Systems with Mary Hunter, Behavior Explorer

This episode Mary Hunter, Behavior Explorer, provides some great learning and advice about Reinforcement Systems.  This podcast is a companion to Mary’s presentation at the 2024 ABMA annual conference in 2024 titled “Reinforcement Systems: Building Interconnected behavior chains that lead to improved communication and accelerated teaching”.  The episode begins by defining Reinforcement Systems and their practical application.  Next Mary gives an in depth breakdown to the four dimensions of Reinforcement Systems: Reinforcer, Delivery System, Bridge, Ready Response. The episode ends with Mary discussing how a reinforcement system can improve communication, accelerate learning, and help problem solve various potential training challenges. 

Stay tuned in for Mary’s "Training Tale" about how her horse has taught her care givers how and where to give her tactile reinforcement! For questions or suggestions about the podcast email ⁠⁠abc@theabma.org⁠⁠.  To reach Mary and to learn more about Behavior Explorer and PORTL visit her websites https://behaviorexplorer.com/ and https://stalecheerios.com/ 

4:45 Introduction to Mary Hunter

6:30 PORTL

10:25 Definition of Reinforcement Systems 

18:40 The Dimensions of a Reinforcement System: Reinforcer, Delivery System, Bridge, Ready Response 

44:55 How can teaching a Reinforcement System increase communication and accelerate learning to avoid accidentally reinforced behaviors. 

55:50 What challenges can be problem solved with Reinforcement Systems

1:02:25 “Training Tales”