Automatic Contingencies and Socially Mediated Contingencies
Welcome back to our 6th Edition BCBA Task List series! Today we are reviewing Task List Item B-6: Distinguish between Automatic and Socially Mediated Contingencies.
Now that you’ve learned about reinforcement and punishment, we are going to discuss how these consequences are delivered through contingencies. There are two main types of contingencies in behavior analysis:
- Automatic contingencies (think: no one else is involved)
- Socially mediated contingencies (involving other people)
Understanding the difference between these two types of contingencies will help you identify the function of behaviors and create effective interventions, making you a better BCBA and helping you ace your exam.
What is a Contingency?
First, let’s quickly review what we mean by a contingency. In ABA, a contingency describes the relationship between a behavior and the consequence that follows it. An easy way to remember it is a contingency is an “if-then” statement. If something happens then this will happen as a result. The three-term contingency in ABA is represented by the ABC model:
- Antecedent: What happens right before the behavior.
- Behavior: The action itself.
- Consequence: What happens immediately after the behavior.
When looking at automatic vs. socially mediated contingencies, the big question is:
“Is the consequence delivered by the behavior itself, or by someone else?”
Automatic Contingencies: Behavior that Provides its Own Consequence
An automatic contingency occurs when a behavior directly produces its own consequence without any social interaction. The behavior itself results in reinforcement or punishment—no one else needed!
When you hear “automatic,” simply think “alone.”
Characteristics of Automatic Contingencies:
- Behavior produces the consequence directly
- No social interaction is involved
- Often called “sensory” behaviors (but be careful: not every “sensory” behavior is truly automatic!)
Everyday Examples:
- Scratching an itch—the scratching behavior relieves discomfort automatically.
- Biting your nails when alone—the behavior itself provides sensory feedback.
- Self-stimulatory behaviors like rocking, humming, or hand-flapping occurring alone in a quiet room.
Important caution: Just because a behavior seems sensory doesn’t automatically mean it’s an automatic contingency. Always consider if social factors could actually be reinforcing the behavior.
Socially Mediated Contingencies: Behaviors Influenced by Others
A socially mediated contingency happens when another person delivers the consequence following a behavior. Social interactions are necessary for this type of contingency.
Characteristics of Socially Mediated Contingencies:
- Consequence is delivered or removed by another person
- Requires social interaction
- Commonly associated with attention, tangible, and escape functions
Everyday Examples:
- A child says, “Can I have a cookie?” → Mom gives a cookie (tangible).
- A student raises their hand → Teacher praises their participation (attention).
- A child throws toys → Teacher takes them away, reducing the throwing (negative punishment).
Key Takeaways and Addressing Dual-Function Behaviors
Understanding whether a contingency is automatic or socially mediated helps you quickly identify the source of reinforcement or punishment.
- Socially mediated contingencies are typically easier to modify because you can directly adjust the social environment. You might change how caregivers respond, adjust classroom environments, or teach replacement behaviors.
- Automatic contingencies are trickier because the reinforcement is internal or sensory-based, with no clear social element to modify.
Knowing the type of contingency can guide you toward the best strategy for behavior change.
Sometimes, behaviors can have both automatic and socially mediated functions. For instance:
- A child hums during class. The humming might help them escape tasks (socially mediated), but it could also feel calming (automatic).
In these cases, carefully assess:
- Which function seems dominant?
- Can you effectively target one function first?
- Do both functions need simultaneous intervention?
Dual functions can be complex, so use your assessments carefully to guide your intervention planning.
Mastering Automatic and Socially Mediated Contingencies for the BCBA Exam
Distinguishing between automatic and socially mediated contingencies is key to effective ABA practice. It helps you quickly pinpoint what’s maintaining behavior and guides your intervention strategies. While socially mediated contingencies are usually more straightforward to target, recognizing automatic contingencies helps you avoid ineffective interventions and set realistic goals.
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