The effect of tangible and social reward systems on changing behavior in an elementary school settin

This study evaluated the effects of tangible and social reward systems on changing the behavior of elementary school children. The behavior to reduce was leaving belongings behind in the lunchroom. The subjects were three elementary school classrooms of children totaling 105 students. Three of the grades from K--5 were chosen for the study based on the number of left belongings during baseline. Items left behind after lunch and before recess were identified and categorized. When the number of items left behind was reduced from baseline by 90%, the entire class was rewarded either with a tangible reward or social reward. Results indicate that the delivery of tangible rewards reduced the items left behind in a more timely manner than did the delivery of social rewards. Results also show that the social type of reward was more effective in maintaining a long-term reduction in items left for either class.