The application of Herrnstein's law of effect to disruptive and on-task behavior of a retarded adolescent girl.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate Herrnstein's law of effect as a description of socially significant behavior in an applied setting. The subject was an 18-year-old retarded girl with a history of autistic-like and aggressive behavior. Using a baseline design for two response classes and stimulus conditions, eight categories of subject and staff behavior were monitored over a 3-week period. A computerized observation system, developed for use in the present investigation, was used to obtain real-time durations of the behavior categories alone and in combination. Overlapping durations of teacher and subject behavior were then correlated to yield approximations to a functional definition of reinforcement. Plots of behavior by contingent reinforcement revealed a hyperbolic relationship for each response class, the shape of which varied as a function of extraneous reinforcement r0. In addition, estimated parameters in Herrnstein's equation did not differ significantly from those obtained through independent observation. Finally, Herrnstein's equation accounted for an average 63% of variance in response allocation. Results are discussed in terms of the relevance of matching-law theory to behavior in applied settings.

A context analysis of contingent teacher attention.

The present two-experiment study compared the relationship between on-task student behavior and three measures of contingent teacher attention: total amount, contingent amount, and proportion of the total amount contingent on the target behavior. Toward this goal, a real-time observational system was developed for assessing multiple categories of teacher attention contingent upon a variety of student behavior categories. Using this system, observational data were collected in a self-contained classroom for a mentally retarded adolescent (Experiment 1) and in a remedial summer school classroom for a regular first-grade student (Experiment 2). Results from the two experiments showed the proportional measure of contingent teacher attention to account for nearly five times more variance in time on-task than contingent amount. These findings are discussed in terms of the importance of concurrently available teacher attention in the functional analysis of classroom behavior.

Scripted sequences of teacher interaction. A versatile, low-impact procedure for increasing appropriate behavior in a nursery school.

Sequences of managerial statements delivered by a teacher during supervised playtime were identified, and a scripting procedure was used to modify these sequences while retaining the overall structure of teacher-student interactions. Five preschool-age children participated in the study. Following an initial assessment phase, the alternative sequence of scripted interactions was implemented first by an experimenter using an ABAB reversal design and then by the classroom teacher. The scripted interaction sequence was effective in increasing levels of appropriate play behavior in all five children, and these levels were maintained when control of the procedure was transferred to the teacher. Moreover, the teacher quickly learned to implement the procedure, did so with a high degree of integrity, and judged it to be moderately acceptable. The value of scripted interactions as an effective yet flexible management strategy that can be used in teacher training is discussed.

A comparison of behavioral interventions reported in treatment studies and programs for adults with developmental disabilities.

This study examined the frequency with which behavioral interventions reported in the research literature were being incorporated into residential treatment programs addressing identical skill deficits. A sample of 113 research articles involving 299 subjects and a corresponding sample of 299 adaptive skill programs implemented in state-funded facilities were reviewed. Information was collected about subject attributes, target behaviors, types of intervention, and alternative instructional techniques. Chi-square analyses revealed significant differences between researchers and clinicians in the categories of adaptive and maladaptive behavior targeted as well as the behavioral interventions reported. Disparities were also found in treatment implementation practices including the use of task analysis, instruction in the natural environment, teaching of replacement skills, and the functional analysis of behavior. These differences are discussed in light of federal regulations governing practices in state-funded facilities as well as current research trends.

Testing the ability of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to accurately report the effects of medication on their behavior.

Children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are often treated with central nervous system stimulants, making the evaluation of medication effects an important topic for applied behavior analysts. Because assessment protocols emphasize informant reports and direct observations of child behavior, little is known about the extent to which children themselves can accurately report medication effects. Double-blind placebo-controlled procedures were used to examine whether 6 children with ADHD could recognize the effects of their medication. The children were given math worksheets to complete for 15 min during each of 14 sessions while on medication and placebo. Children completed a self-evaluation form at the end of each session, and ratings were compared to observed behavior and academic performance. Results indicated that 3 children were able to accurately report their medication status at levels greater than chance, whereas the accuracy of reports by all children was related to dosage level, differences in behavior, and the presence of adverse effects. The implications of these results for placebo-controlled research, self-monitoring of dosage levels, and accuracy training are discussed.

The effects of variable-interval reinforcement on academic engagement: a demonstration of matching theory.

The single-alternative form of the matching law has enjoyed extensive support in laboratory research with both animals and humans. However, few data exist concerning its validity as a description of behavior in applied settings. In Experiment 1, 2 fourth-grade students were exposed to variable-interval schedules of social reinforcement contingent on academic engagement. The data for each subject were then plotted via Herrnstein's equation. The results showed Herrnstein's equation to account for 99.1% and 87.6% of the variance in student engagement, respectively. In Experiment 2, control over student engagement by two of the reinforcement schedules was examined further within an alternating treatments design with similar results. The implications of these findings for linking experimental and applied behavior analysis are discussed.

The effects of instructional match and content overlap on generalized reading performance.

This study examined the effects of instructional match and content overlap on students' ability to generalize from passage reading instruction. Four students with mild disabilities served as participants. Using a multielement design, students were instructed with passages at two levels of text difficulty (instructionally matched vs. instructionally mismatched), and generalization was assessed with passages at two levels of similarity to those instructed (low vs. high content overlap). Results indicated that students' oral reading accuracy and fluency showed the greatest degree of generalization when instructional materials were matched to the students' skill level and assessment materials were similar to those used during instruction. Moreover, these results were maintained at 1-month follow-up. The implications of these findings for classroom reading instruction and the assessment of students' reading skills are discussed.