Behavioral momentum is a concept used to describe the persistence of a behavior in the face of disruption or changing conditions, analogous to physical momentum. Behavioral momentum theory suggests that the likelihood of a behavior continuing, even when interrupted or met with resistance, depends on how much reinforcement has historically been associated with that behavior.

Behavioral momentum can be applied in several ways to understand response persistence:

1.High-Probability Request Sequences: By initially presenting a series of high-probability requests (tasks the individual is likely to complete due to a history of reinforcement) before a low-probability request, the behavior is more likely to persist even when the less preferred task is introduced. This strategy builds behavioral momentum, increasing the chance the individual will complete the more challenging request.

2.Persistence in Challenging Environments: In settings where distractions or other obstacles are present, behaviors with a strong history of reinforcement are more resistant to disruption. For example, if a student has consistently received reinforcement for completing tasks, they are more likely to continue task completion in the presence of minor distractions.

3.Treatment of Disruptive Behaviors: Behavioral momentum can also inform interventions for reducing disruptive behaviors by increasing alternative, desirable behaviors through reinforcement. By reinforcing desirable behaviors frequently, those behaviors are more likely to persist over time, even when disruptive behavior is occasionally reinforced.

This concept of behavioral momentum is useful in clinical and educational settings, as it allows practitioners to structure reinforcement in ways that promote the persistence of desirable behaviors over time.

For further reading, see: Nevin, J. A., & Grace, R. C. (2000). Behavioral momentum and the law of effect. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 23(1), 73-130.

To get all the information in one place get our study manual: