Reward Charts… Do they really work?

When our child is misbehaving, we like to introduce a “reward chart.” The goal of reward charts is oftentimes to improve the child’s participation and overall behavior. In these examples, something is given to a child when they accomplish some pre-defined task. The child then receives a number of these rewards until they obtain a reinforcing prize, whether that be a new toy or activity. While these reward charts may work in the beginning, carry-over of these skills is oftentimes very difficult. New research about the brain and the body’s response to rewards has provided us with greater insight into how rewards should be introduced in order to be more impactful for our kids. It might be surprising to hear, but predictable rewards are not the most beneficial. Instead, it is when the reward is least expected that we can see greater gains.

Intermittent reward systems refer to a type of reinforcement schedule where rewards are given unpredictably or sporadically, rather than in a consistent and predictable manner. This type of reward structure has profound effects on our brain's reward pathways and can significantly influence our behavior and motivation.

When we experience a reward, such as receiving praise, earning money, or achieving a goal, our brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is associated with pleasure and motivation. Intermittent rewards create a potent effect on the dopamine system because they introduce an element of uncertainty. When we receive a reward unexpectedly, our brain experiences a surge of dopamine that enhances the pleasurable feeling and reinforces the associated behavior.

Intermittent reward systems can be found in various aspects of our lives, such as in video games or social media platforms. These systems leverage our brain's response to uncertainty by delivering rewards in a sporadic and unpredictable manner.

In summary, intermittent reward systems capitalize on our brain's response to uncertainty and unpredictability. By providing rewards in an intermittent manner, these systems can profoundly influence our behavior and motivation. These positive effects can then be carried over into our kids and their future behaviors.

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