What is the Premack Principle?

The Premack Principle is an incredibly useful tool to keep in your ABA toolbox! The premack principle is otherwise known as “Grandma’s Law”. The term Grandma’s Law comes from the age old demand of “first eat your veggies, then you can have dessert”.

Using the words “first, then” really clarify to the learner what they stand to gain from doing something non-preferred. This principle is ideal for learners who are not yet intrinsically motivated or do not understand the greater purposes in completing tasks and non-preferred activities (like eating veggies!).