Psychology Roots
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Behavior contrast
1. A pattern of response to reward such that if an organism is given a small reward for a particular response if the reward is subsequently increased, the rate or intensity of the response is increased to a greater level than if the greater reward is given from the start. Or a lessened rate or intensity of response may occur after reward for a response is lessened.
2. In clinical practice, an increase of behavior in a nontreatment setting as it decreases in the treatment setting. Thus if a treatment works at school, it may lead to an increase in the response at home.
