In reinforcement within PRT, how should attempts be reinforced?

In the context of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT), reinforcing attempts rather than only successful trials is particularly important as it encourages engagement and persistence in the learning process. Reinforcing attempts with a lower magnitude than successful trials allows the practitioner to acknowledge and validate the child’s effort, promoting motivation and a sense of accomplishment. This approach fosters a positive learning environment where the individual feels encouraged to take risks and try new things without the fear of failure.

By reinforcing attempts, practitioners can help build the child's confidence and willingness to engage, which is crucial for long-term development and learning. It emphasizes the value of effort and incremental progress, which can lead to greater success over time. In contrast, reinforcing attempts with the same magnitude as successful trials could lead to confusion or diminish the significance of successful behaviors. Likewise, exclusively using verbal praise or disregarding attempts entirely would not effectively support the child’s learning trajectory or motivation.