Twelve factors should be considered in justifying techniques selected for treating aberrant behavior in persons with mental retardation. The factors include motivational variables, treatment effectiveness, side effects, abuse potential, treatment restrictiveness/intrusiveness, treatment precedence, social acceptability, regulatory factors, staff…

This introduction to several articles on punishment in treating persons with mental retardation notes the ethical dilemmas involved and offers the editor's view that research on the side effects and relative efficacy of various treatments for reducing self-injurious behaviors should continue, and clinical practice should be guided by research…

Argues that the one portion of behavior modification that educators least understand is negative reinforcement. Discusses the advantages of this technique. (FL)

Lists advantages and disadvantages of the token economy system as a behavior control tactic. Discusses ethical issues relating to the use of behavior modification techniques in the classroom. (SK)

These tips for the vocational teacher with mainstreamed students focus on three areas: the student, the classroom, and teacher strategies. The tips that focus on the student have an interpersonal focus. Recommendations are concerned with student strengths and weaknesses of which the teacher should be aware through observations, gathering and using…

The conflict between viewing aversive therapeutic interventions with mentally retarded persons from either an ideological or scientific perspective is examined. It is concluded that some of those who reject aversive therapeutic interventions do so out of a poor understanding of behavioral science and a primarily ideological frame of reference.…

This paper comments on James Mulick's paper (EC 232 032) and views Mulick as rigidly committed to the behavioral paradigm, selectively evaluating data, and misrepresenting the opposition. Because aversive procedures are not wholly effective, positive, educative interventions are encouraged. (DB)

Describes new intervention strategies used to address the career problems of adult clients who generally have less freedom than younger clients and who have a need for quick solutions. (CH)

Points out that much research has shown that punishing incorrect behavior in children results in faster learning than does reinforcing correct behavior. Suggests nonphysical punishments for classroom use. (FL)

The author attempts to clarify the difference between punishment and negative reinforcement and suggests that negative reinforcement should be used only as a last resort as a disciplinary tool. (KC)

Argues that behavioral approaches in education are best placed within a rational or justificatory framework, rather than within a strictly scientific account of human activity. Draws the distinction between the two frameworks, and outlines major criticisms leveled at behaviorism in education. Discusses aspects of behaviorism in education from the…

A brief biographical sketch of Burrhus Frederick Skinner is offered, followed by a review of his impact on education and psychology. His research in radical behaviorism, his theoretical contributions, development of programed instruction techniques, token economies, and numerous inventions by himself and his proteges are summarized. (PB)

This paper, presented as a part of a symposium on the use of multiple therapies with a single client, conveys the author's personal experiences in making a gradual transition from psychodynamic therapy to a pragmatic blending of psychodynamic and behavioral treatment approaches. Two case studies are presented to illustrate the use of the two…

Educational leadership entails developing teacher behaviors that support student learning. This article outlines ways of achieving this goal through positive reinforcement. (Author/WD)

Adherence to a variety of conceptual frameworks in psychological treatment has resulted in technical and theoretical eclecticism. Therapy techniques have become reduced to a set of tactics in which the therapist juggles conceptual frameworks in an attempt to maximize constructive behavior change. The practitioner must conceptualize his therapeutic…