Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Behaviors Does the Premack Principle Apply To?Desirable Behaviors vs. Undesirable BehaviorsGrandma’s RuleHow Is the Premack Principle Used?ExamplesLimitations
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Behaviors Does the Premack Principle Apply To?
Desirable Behaviors vs. Undesirable Behaviors
Grandma’s Rule
How Is the Premack Principle Used?
Examples
Limitations
Close
The Premack Principle is a tool used in many different settings with various populations since it can be tailored to fit individual needs. It has been particularly applied in educational and therapeutic environments where it is used to help students and clients learn new skills and gain greater self-control over their behavior.
Where Did the Premack Principle Come From?
The Premack Principle can be applied to a wide range of behaviors, from the mundane (such ascompleting chores) to more complex behavior (likedrug addiction). It can also be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals withanxiety or phobias.
For example, if someone has difficulty leaving their house due to an irrational fear, the Premack Principle could be used to motivate them to complete small, low-probability tasks (such as taking the trash out) in order to encourage them to take on larger low-probability tasks (such as going to the grocery store).
Below is a list of example behaviors that the Premack Principle could be used to regulate. The concept of desirable and undesirable behavior is subjective, so it’s important to note that what one person may consider a desirable behavior another might find undesirable.
Desirable Behaviors:
Undesirable Behaviors:
Why Is the Premack Principle Referred to as “Grandma’s Rule?”
Examples That Show How the Premack Principle Works
The Premack Principle can be illustrated in a variety of settings. For example,Steve Carleton, LCSW, CACIII, Executive Clinical Director atGallus Detoxnotes “If a child loves video games, they may be more likely to do their homework if it leads them to being able to play the game afterward. The act of doing homework is the high-probability behavior, while playing video games is the low-probability behavior.”
Below are a few examples of how the Premack Principle can be used to regulate behavior:
Limitations of the Premack Principle
Although the Premack Principle has been found to be effective in regulating behavior, there are some limitations. For example, it may not work as effectively if the desired behavior is seen as too overwhelming or difficult for the individual. Additionally, individuals may become bored with activities that are used too often as rewards and begin to lose motivation.
In addition, controversies exist regarding the ethics of using the Premack Principle. Some argue that it may be used to manipulate individuals and encourage them to engage in activities they would not normally choose to do. In general, it is important to consider the individual’s feelings and motivations before implementing the Premack Principle.
Dr. Lea McMahon,Chief Clinical Officer at Symetria Recoverynotes, “I would say [a] similarity to bribing is present, but the reinforcement to practice good behavior is the key difference.” McMahon goes on to explain, “Say, for example, there’s a patient that looks to television or reading as a coping behavior in recovery, but they aren’t openly willing to go to group therapy. It’s common to see a patient then first go to therapy so they can then get a new book at the bookstore if that’s the proposition. In turn, the therapy helps them find new ways to cope, and fueling their enjoyment of reading is the positive reinforcement.”
In conclusion, the Premack Principle can be a useful tool for motivating individuals to engage in desirable behaviors. However, it is important to consider the individual’s feelings and motivations before implementing the principle. Additionally, its effectiveness may diminish over time if rewards become too frequent or predictable. Lastly, ethical considerations regarding its use should also be taken into account.
2 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.PREMACK D.Predicting instrumental performance from the independent rate of the contingent response.J Exp Psychol. 1961;61:163-171. doi:10.1037/h0042090PREMACK D.Rate differential reinforcement in monkey manipulation.J Exp Anal Behav. 1963;6(1):81-89. doi:10.1901/jeab.1963.6-81
2 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.PREMACK D.Predicting instrumental performance from the independent rate of the contingent response.J Exp Psychol. 1961;61:163-171. doi:10.1037/h0042090PREMACK D.Rate differential reinforcement in monkey manipulation.J Exp Anal Behav. 1963;6(1):81-89. doi:10.1901/jeab.1963.6-81
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
PREMACK D.Predicting instrumental performance from the independent rate of the contingent response.J Exp Psychol. 1961;61:163-171. doi:10.1037/h0042090PREMACK D.Rate differential reinforcement in monkey manipulation.J Exp Anal Behav. 1963;6(1):81-89. doi:10.1901/jeab.1963.6-81
PREMACK D.Predicting instrumental performance from the independent rate of the contingent response.J Exp Psychol. 1961;61:163-171. doi:10.1037/h0042090
PREMACK D.Rate differential reinforcement in monkey manipulation.J Exp Anal Behav. 1963;6(1):81-89. doi:10.1901/jeab.1963.6-81
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