This article describes and field-tests the improved rate difference (IRD), a new effect size for summarizing single-case research data. Termed "risk difference" in medical research, IRD expresses the difference in successful performance between baseline and intervention phases. IRD can be calculated from visual analysis of nonoverlapping data, and…

In this study, the researchers evaluated the sensitivity of Direct Behavior Rating Single-Item Scales (DBR-SIS) for assessing behavior change in response to an intervention. Included in the analyses were data from 20 completed behavioral consultation cases involving a diverse sample of elementary participants and contexts using a common…

Positive interference, therapeutic interuption of a high-rate self-abusive or self-stimulatory behavior with a reinforceable desired behavior, was implemented on a self-abusive autistic nine-year-old. Findings demonstrated that a child can learn desired behaviors without completely suppressing undesirable behaviors. (SW)

Limitations inherent in behavior modification and common misuses of the strategy are discussed. (RJ)

A variable interval schedule of reinforcement was used with five behavior disordered boys (7-13 years old) to improve attending and study behavior of the children during the communicative skills period. (SBH)

Nine learning disabled pupils (10-11 years old) who participated in open-ended class meetings demonstrated increased verbal participation, decreased hyperactivity and diminished social isolation from regular class children. (CL)

The techniques of behavior modification are of potentially great value in the schools. (Author)

Four emotionally disturbed preschoolers engaged in a higher frequency of disruptive behavior in a regular classroom than in a special class, and teachers in the two settings responded differently to the disruptive behavior. (CL)