The Premack Principle, sometimes called “grandma’s rule,” is the idea that a high-probability behavior can be used to reinforce a low-probability behavior — for example, “first you finish your math, then you can play outside.” In ABA, this principle helps therapists and parents motivate children to complete less-preferred activities by pairing them with a preferred one. It is a simple, accessible reinforcement strategy that fits naturally into daily routines without tangible rewards. See how this connects to other reinforcement methods in Differential Reinforcement Explained.
See related: Positive Reinforcement, Reinforcer, Differential Reinforcement, Skill Acquisition
