Contingency Contracts

Key Components for Effectiveness

Heward also outlines three major components that should be included in a contingency contract for it to be effective: (1) the task, (2) the reward, and(3)a task record. The task portion of the contract includes a description of the task, who is to perform the task (e.g., the role of each participant), when it is to be performed, and how well it needs to be performed in order to receive the reward. The reward section includes a description of the reward, who delivers the reward, when it will be delivered, and how much of it will be delivered. A task record provides a location on the document where the progress of a contract is recorded. This section for data collection includes records of task completion and reward delivery. Monitoring the progress of a contract serves two purposes: (1) it ensures that all participants are regularly reminded of the contract, and (2) it helps remind the student to continue working toward task completion.

Key Procedures for Effectiveness

A contingency contract is a complex intervention package consisting of both positive and negative reinforcement. Contingency contracts are based on rule-governed behavior, where a specific behavior results in a specific consequence. Heward and Martin and Pear have identified several procedures that make contracts more effective: (a) All participants should have equal parts in the development of the contract. (b) The contract needs to be as clear as possible so there is no confusion about what is required from both parties. (c) The target behavior needs to be clearly defined, observable, and recordable. (d) The parties should identify possible rewards that will motivate the child. (e) Data collection procedures used to evaluate the effectiveness of the contract should be determined, including how, when, and who will collect the data. (f) The relationship between the behavior and the reward should be fair. (g) Each participant must follow the rules set up by the contract. (h) The contract needs to be honest; all participants will comply with the agreement. (i) The contract should be displayed publicly, reminding each participant of the agreement and his or her responsibilities within the contract. (j) Once a clear contract is written and implemented, data should be evaluated for effectiveness. (k) The contract should be altered and rewritten until there is an improvement in behavior. It is necessary to renegotiate the contract after a certain period, even if it was successful.

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