The article reviews behavioral intervention research with the handicapped, focusing on the analysis of subject, setting, and procedural factors that influence the outcome of behavior modification. Behavior enhancement procedures (e.g., tactile and sensory reinforcement, contracting, and modeling) and behavior reduction procedures (e.g., extinction…

This article reviews 49 studies describing the use of differential reinforcement procedures to reduce maladaptive responding of persons with severe or profound mental retardation. Reviewed were the differential reinforcement of (1) alternative behavior; (2) low rates of responding; (3) other behavior; and (4) incompatible behavior. Findings were…

This review of research examines investigations that have focused on the effect of reinforcer specificity on the acquisition of both language comprehension and production skills by learners with severe handicaps. Issues regarding the use of intervention strategies that employ reinforcer specificity are discussed. (Author/JW)

A persistent problem in language skills programs for children is how to promote generalization so the child can use communication skills in almost any situation. Consideration of the manner in which stimuli are presented, the kinds of responses required, and the way reinforcement is dispensed may help to solve the difficulty in moving from…

Studies assessing treatments for severe behavior problems of developmentally delayed persons were reviewed. Procedures used in the 382 studies, published from 1967-1987, were analyzed in terms of problem behaviors, side effects, and treatment methods. Also examined were number of studies reported yearly, maintenance and generalization of effects,…

Examines the effectiveness of a commercially available social skills training program plus classroom reinforcement for use with preschoolers with developmental delays. The combinations of training plus classroom reinforcement resulted in statistically significant increases in sharing behavior. Social skills interventions were viewed favorably by…

Reviews both the library and the training literature to investigate methods for developing skills for effective library instructional presentations. Examples from the Xavier University (Ohio) library are included in discussions of teaching effectiveness, learning theories, adult learning, active learning, the use of humor, and psychological…

The process of promoting behavior change in children described as being immature or antisocial with conduct or behavioral disorders can be enhanced by training their parents in operant techniques in an outpatient clinic setting. Most parents can respond to training because a theoretical understanding of operant techniques is not a prerequisite for…

The Strategic Training of Employees Model (STEM) is a comprehensive training framework that balances the need for training against the constraints existing within organizations. The STEM is based on advances in economic and educational research. The following are among the theories that lay at the STEM's foundation: reinforcement theory; social…