Automatic reinforcement typically refers to reinforcement that is delivered:

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Automatic reinforcement refers to a form of reinforcement that occurs independently of external prompts or responses from others. It is a reinforcement that is self-initiated or inherent to the behavior itself, thereby providing its own consequences. This could manifest through engaging in a specific behavior that leads to a desired sensory experience or relief from discomfort—essentially, the behavior results in a reinforcement that does not require any external evaluation or feedback.

So, when discussing automatic reinforcement, it's important to recognize that it operates outside of the conventional framework of contingently based reinforcement, which depends on another person's response or an established reinforcement schedule. The distinct aspect of automatic reinforcement is that the individual experiences the reinforcement directly; therefore, this form of reinforcement contributes significantly to the understanding of certain behaviors in the field of applied behavior analysis, particularly in terms of identifying and addressing self-reinforcing actions.

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