In order to investigate the effect of experimenter-controlled reading speeds on the literal comprehension of multilevel reading passages and to assess the effects of operant-regulated, or self-regulated, conditions on reading speed, these two studies sampled a total of 400 eighth graders. Two passages, originally written at the eighth-grade level,…

A study involving four boys (9 to 14 years old) labeled as emotionally handicapped was conducted to examine the effect of a verbal cueing technique (involving an illogical statement which evokes psychological reactance) on behaviorally disordered children. Illogical statements made by the teacher produced positive change in target behaviors (such…

A three phase program reduced hyperactive behavior, increased attending/participating behavior, and improved academic performance of a total of 20 learning disabled children from 10 to 14 years of age. (DB)

The paper's proposition is that many "overtly behavioristic" innovations in teacher education (performance-based education, microteaching, microsupervision, and microcounseling) are not in conflict with the humanistic approach; the critical need for understanding and application of the construct of intentionality demands that humanists…

One of six publications of the Research Advisory Committee of the National Association for Retarded Citizens, the monograph presents guidelines for using behavioral procedures with retarded individuals in residential settings, group living homes, sheltered workshops, or other settings. Addressed are the following topics (sample subtopics in…

Three-month-old infants learned to activate a crib mobile by means of operant footkicks. Retention of the conditioned response was assessed in the presence of the nonmoving mobile. Although forgetting is typically complete after an 8-day retention interval, infants who received a reactivation treatment, a brief exposure to the reinforcer 24 hours…

Guidelines (established at the Syracuse Development Center) for conducting human research with institutionalized mentally retarded persons are discussed, particularly in relation to research in behavior modification. After a literature review, the five step procedure suggested by the Center is listed with such steps as submitting a proposal which…

Experimental modification of destructive and assaultive sibling interaction was carried out within the home environment. Two brothers (6 and 3 years old) were treated through token positive reinforcement techniques in an effort to improve their behavior towards each other. A "time out" from reinforcement procedures involved an isolation period for…