Of the diagnostic features of autism, relatively little research has been devoted to restricted and repetitive behavior, particularly topographically complex forms of restricted and repetitive behavior such as rigidity in routines or compulsive-like behavior (e.g., arranging objects in patterns or rows). Like vocal or motor stereotypy,…

We evaluated the effects of a self-management treatment package (SMTP) on the stereotypic behavior of an adolescent with Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). Latency to stereotypy was systematically increased in the training setting (academic) and the effectiveness of the SMTP was evaluated within a multiple-probe…

The effects of a procedure based on differential reinforcement of other behaviors (DRO) on stereotypic responses and task performance were tested with three autistic students (14-21 years old). The procedure was unique because the time interval employed between potential opportunities for reinforcement was the natural length of one instructional…

This article describes an experiment designed to determine if a selected reinforcement style of individual counseling could influence adolescents to engage in a greater variety of information-seeking behavior than subjects not receiving such counseling. The findings indicated that the effectiveness of this technique varied with different levels of…

Modeling with reinforcement, modeling without reinforcement, and active control treatments were administered to 140 tenth and eleventh graders. The results indicated no difference due to the presence of planned vicarious reinforcement. (Author)

Examines the development of reciprocal cooperation in dyads by allowing one subject at a time to be dependent upon a partner and then reversing this condition periodically. Subjects were 10 special education unit students who ranged in age from 10 to 16 years. (MP)

Expectancies of reinforcement from alcohol have been investigated from a variety of research perspectives. Although results vary with methodology, subject characteristics, and amount of alcohol consumed, research seems to indicate that the expectation of receiving alcohol influences, and at times outweighs, the actual pharmacological properties of…

Surveyed 100 nondrinking adolescents utilizing a behavior analysis questionnaire designed to assess influences on learning not to drink. Results suggest that parents who did not drink had a strong influence. Effective modes of self-control were also discovered; teenagers revealed assertiveness skills in saying "no" to peer pressures. (Author/JAC)

Presents current psychological and educational literature associated with the behavioral characteristics of the mentally retarded adolescent. Discusses empirical constructs including adaptive behavior, motivation, reinforcer effectiveness, locus of control, and social discrimination skills of the mentally retarded. Suggests practical strategies…

Two studies involving three adolescents with severe emotional disturbance/behavior disorders and learning difficulties examined effects of problem difficulty and reinforcer quality upon time allocated to two sets of arithmetic problems. Results have implications for understanding the effects of problem difficulty and reinforcer quality on behavior…

This book, designed for teachers, parents and caregivers, discusses the development of self esteem, competence, and sense of belonging in children. The development of self concept is traced from early infancy through adolescence. Specific topics include reinforcement, imitation, the relationship between self-concept and achievement, sexual…