Independent and Interdependent Group Contingencies: Smoothing the Rough Waters

Independent and interdependent group contingencies have many applied advantages for influencing behaviors in school settings. However, there are negative side effects associated with these group oriented contingencies. A scenario is presented that illustrates some negative side effects of independent and interdependent group oriented contingencies. Specific recommendations for altering group oriented contingencies to reduce these negative side effects and increase the probability that teachers will use these contingencies to increase students' academic performance and prosocial behaviors follows the scenario.