Evaluation of an experimental procedure to evoke countercontrol

One way an individual can control another person's behavior is through aversive consequences, such as threats of punishment. In behavioral research this is referred to as aversive control. Aversive control is widespread in our culture and its use is concerning because it frequently evokes negative side effects. Countercontrol is one of these negative side effects. Countercontrol is an operant response that is evoked by aversive control and that functions to punish the user of aversive control. In more precise terms, countercontrol is a response that is evoked by aversive control, and is strengthened when it reduces the future probability of aversive stimuli and produces a stimulus change that is positively reinforcing to the behaving person. This may take the form of acts of rebellion, revolution, protest, sabotage, and terrorism. Despite its potential social implications and impact, current countercontrol research is limited. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a procedure to evoke countercontrol within a simulated work situation. The study used an ABCDCD reversal design, and a total of 14 participants completed the procedure. Results indicated that the majority of participants did not engage in countercontrol, however, the procedure may have resulted in countercontrol responding by 3-6 participants. This finding has important implications for how future studies evaluate countercontrol given that some participants may respond but others may not due to different behavioral histories.