behavioral contrast

n. 1. A pattern of response to reward such that if an organism is given a small reward for a particular response, if the reward is subsequently increased, the rate or intensity of the response is increased to a greater level than if the greater reward is given from the start. Or it can be a lessened rate or intensity of response after reward for a response is lessened. 2. In clinical practice, an increase of a behavior in a nontreatment setting as it decreases in the treatment setting. Thus if a treatment works at school, it may lead to an increase in the response at home.