THEORIES OF REACTIVITY IN SELF-MONITORING: A COMPARISON OF OPERANT AND COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL MODELS.

Abstract

Three theoretical models explaining reactivity in self-monitoring were examined including one cognitive-behavioral and two operant views. Each theoretical account was represented by the following self-monitoring conditions: (1) self-monitoring (Rachlin-operant recording response model), (2) self-monitoring and goal setting (Kanfer-cognitive-mediational model), (3) self-monitoring, goal setting and self-reinforcement (Nelson and Hayes-multiple cueing stimuli model), (4) goal setting and self-reinforcement (Kanfer-cognitive-mediational model), and (5) training only. The comparative effects of the five self-monitoring conditions on the dependent measure, verbal nonfluencies, were evaluated using a repeated measures analysis of covariance design with the pretest as covariate. Results of the study indicated that self-monitoring conditions containing a self-reinforcement component (i.e., conditions 3 and 4) produced the greatest reactivity. Moreover, the presence of reinforcement appeared to positively influence whether subjects reached their individually set goals for reducing nonfluencies. The vast majority of self-reported cognitions associated with the occurrence of the target behavior were independently judged to be neutral rather than self-reinforcing or self-punishing. The implications of this study for the role of external versus covert forms of reinforcement were discussed as well as the use of this technique in clinical practice.