Glossary
Cue signaling reward
What is cue signaling reward?
Cue signaling reward is a behavior change technique that introduces or highlights environmental cues that signal when a reward is available for performing the target behavior. The defining feature is that the cue predicts reward contingent on the behavior.
How it works
BCT Taxonomy v1 calls this technique 7.2. The cue tells the person that performing a particular action now makes a reward available.
Applied example
An app could show a marker indicating which activity currently earns a stated reward. The marker signals reward availability before the action. A celebration displayed only after completion does not, by itself, serve as that kind of predictive cue.
Why it matters
Clear timing and contingency distinguish a reward signal from a reward delivered after behavior. Whether the signal changes behavior must be measured.
The original taxonomy and its definitions specify the technique; separate outcome research is needed to assess effectiveness.