How the Premack Principle Regulates Behavior

How It Works and Where It's Applied—With Examples

Reviewed by David Susman, PhD

The Premack Principle is a principle of reinforcement in psychology that states that an opportunity to perform a more preferred behavior increases the probability of an individual engaging in a less preferred behavior. This principle was developed by psychologist David Premack and has been used as an effective method to regulate behaviors in humans, especially children.

The central idea of the Premack Principle is that people will be more likely to engage in a less desirable behavior if the opportunity to do something they enjoy is provided afterward. To illustrate, let’s say that children are given a choice between two activities; one activity is more enjoyable while the other is more difficult. According to the Premack Principle, by offering an incentive such as engaging in the more preferred activity after completing the less desired one, the likelihood of them completing the less desired activity is significantly increased.

The Premack Principle is a tool used in many different settings with various populations since it can be tailored to fit individual needs. It has been particularly applied in educational and therapeutic environments where it is used to help students and clients learn new skills and gain greater self-control over their behavior.

Where Did the Premack Principle Come From?

The Premack Principle was first proposed by David Premack in the 1960's. It was based on his research on animal behavior and the idea that an individual’s preferences can be manipulated through reinforcement. Since then, the Premack Principle has been incorporated in psychological and educational settings as a method to regulate problem behaviors.

What Behaviors Does the Premack Principle Apply To?

The Premack Principle can be applied to a wide range of behaviors, from the mundane (such as completing chores) to more complex behavior (like drug addiction). It can also be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals with anxiety or phobias.

For example, if someone has difficulty leaving their house due to an irrational fear, the Premack Principle could be used to motivate them to complete small, low-probability tasks (such as taking the trash out) in order to encourage them to take on larger low-probability tasks (such as going to the grocery store).

Desirable Behaviors vs. Undesirable Behaviors

Below is a list of example behaviors that the Premack Principle could be used to regulate. The concept of desirable and undesirable behavior is subjective, so it’s important to note that what one person may consider a desirable behavior another might find undesirable.

Desirable Behaviors:

• Completing chores

• Doing school work or other academic activities

• Eating healthy meals

• Exercising regularly

• Engaging in leisure activities

Undesirable Behaviors:

• Smoking cigarettes or using drugs

• Overeating

• Procrastinating on school work or other academic activities

• Engaging in risky behaviors (such as drinking and driving)

• Failing to engage in leisure activities
  

Why Is the Premack Principle Referred to as "Grandma’s Rule?"

The Premack Principle is sometimes referred to as "Grandma’s Rule" due to its practical application in everyday life. Grandparents often use a similar principle when disciplining their grandchildren by requiring them to complete chores before being allowed to engage in leisure activities.

In addition, the principle can be used to help motivate individuals to complete tasks they find undesirable (such as cleaning their room or doing homework) by rewarding them with something they enjoy (such as watching TV).

How Is the Premack Principle Used?

The Premack Principle can be used to motivate individuals to engage in more desirable behavior by rewarding them with higher probability activities. It can also be used in therapeutic settings to help individuals overcome phobias or anxiety issues.

Examples That Show How the Premack Principle Works

The Premack Principle can be illustrated in a variety of settings. For example, Steve Carleton, LCSW, CACIII, Executive Clinical Director at Gallus Detox notes "If a child loves video games, they may be more likely to do their homework if it leads them to being able to play the game afterward. The act of doing homework is the high-probability behavior, while playing video games is the low-probability behavior."

Below are a few examples of how the Premack Principle can be used to regulate behavior:

• A mother may use it with her child by offering them a treat if they clean their room.

• A teacher may use it with their students by allowing them to watch a movie after completing their homework.

• A therapist may use it with their patient by rewarding them with a leisure activity if they complete a task (such as going to the grocery store) that causes anxiety.

Limitations of the Premack Principle

Although the Premack Principle has been found to be effective in regulating behavior, there are some limitations. For example, it may not work as effectively if the desired behavior is seen as too overwhelming or difficult for the individual. Additionally, individuals may become bored with activities that are used too often as rewards and begin to lose motivation.

In addition, controversies exist regarding the ethics of using the Premack Principle. Some argue that it may be used to manipulate individuals and encourage them to engage in activities they would not normally choose to do. In general, it is important to consider the individual’s feelings and motivations before implementing the Premack Principle.

Dr. Lea McMahon, Chief Clinical Officer at Symetria Recovery notes, "I would say [a] similarity to bribing is present, but the reinforcement to practice good behavior is the key difference." McMahon goes on to explain, "Say, for example, there’s a patient that looks to television or reading as a coping behavior in recovery, but they aren’t openly willing to go to group therapy. It’s common to see a patient then first go to therapy so they can then get a new book at the bookstore if that’s the proposition. In turn, the therapy helps them find new ways to cope, and fueling their enjoyment of reading is the positive reinforcement."

In conclusion, the Premack Principle can be a useful tool for motivating individuals to engage in desirable behaviors. However, it is important to consider the individual’s feelings and motivations before implementing the principle. Additionally, its effectiveness may diminish over time if rewards become too frequent or predictable. Lastly, ethical considerations regarding its use should also be taken into account.