Definition
Contingency Contracting (also known as a behavior contract) is a written agreement between two or more parties, typically a teacher or therapist and a learner, that specifies a contingent relationship between the completion of a specified behavior (or set of behaviors) and access to a reward or reinforcer. The contract outlines the behavior expectations, the rewards for meeting those expectations, and any consequences for not meeting them. This method is used to promote responsibility and accountability while motivating behavior change.
Example
A teacher and student agree to a contingency contract to improve the student’s homework completion. The contract states that if the student completes their homework every day for a week, they will earn extra free time on Friday afternoon. The contract is signed by both the teacher and the student, and they review it regularly to track progress. By laying out clear expectations and rewards, the student is motivated to complete their homework to earn the agreed-upon reward.