It is maintained that behavior modification techniques of postitve and intermittent reinforcement specified by B. Skinner to prevent extinction may adversely affect the critical internal motivators of gifted students, who may be bored by constant success. (MC)

This research was supported by Research Grant No. 30-200-50, Indiana University Foundation, Indiana University.

Response to article in previous issue by Max Bruck (April 1968). Argues that behavioral approach has been empirically demonstrated to be effective in altering problem behavior, and offers advantages over more traditional approaches. Proposes that behavioral psychology can deal with all important aspects of complex human behavior. (Author)

AN ELECTRONIC SYSTEM OF SMALL TRANSCEIVER UNITS, PACKAGED IN A BELT WORN BY STUDENTS IN CLASS, WAS DESIGNED TO TRANSMIT LIGHT SIGNALS AND VIBRA-TACTILE CODED MESSAGES BETWEEN STUDENTS AND A COUNSELOR AT A CLINIC SCHOOL. FOUR MALE ADOLESCENTS SELECTED FOR LOW MOTIVATION, AGGRESSIVE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR, AND HIGH PEER-GROUP RATING REPORTED THEIR TIME…

Discussion of student motivation and participation, emphasizing the teacher's role in managing students' behavior. (ST)

A twelve-year-old profoundly retarded, self-abusive and assaultive child who did not feed himself was motivated to feed himself and modify undesirable responses within eight days. (Authors)

Describes new incentive program which has eased adult-child tension in a home for disturbed adolescents. (ST)

Several of the theoretical and experimental assumptions relating to behavior modification are examined and criticized: (1) the human mind can only be understood by observing and measuring the functional behavior it causes, (2) performance can be equated with learning, (3) reward systems and token economies improve intrinsic learning, and (4) all…

Three children with reading difficulties increased their reading skill through a contingency program involving "happy face" charts and the opportunity to contribute to a class mural. (CL)

The purpose of the present study was to determine if a procedure could be devised to eliminate the need for a therapist in reinforcing for expressions of affect, feedback, or empathy. Twenty-six male and 22 female undergraduate volunteers were randomly assigned to 12 "human relations" groups, comprising three replications of four conditions: 1.…

The study compared the efficacy of proclamation, contracting, and contingent teacher approval in modifying the classroom behavior of 5 Negro adolescents. Proclamation consisted of a written statement of reward and punishment contingencies (points gained or lost) under which the class was operating, whereas the contracting phase permitted students…

This study tests the contention that a reinforcing agent's manner of administering rewards and punishments is construed by his associates as revealing his margin of freedom, and that associates are more attentive to cues concerning a reinforcing agent's dispositional qualities, and more inclined to ingratiate themselves to him, when he employes…

This ten classroom-hour instructional model combines skill, cognitive and affective experiences in dental health. An integration of the skills and cognitions with affective reactions promotes positive feelings and improved values regarding dental health. Motivation principles and feedback systems give the students and the instructor incentive and…