Subjects (N=20) participated in a smoking-reduction program that attempted to assess the initial effectiveness of a rapid-smoking procedure administered to groups. Results are discussed in terms of self-set and the attribution of behavior change. (Author)

A 10-year-old boy with inappropriate social behavior was placed in a program of positive reinforcement and response cost. The boy earned plastic coins for good behavior and lost coins for inappropriate behavior. Rewards for given levels of earnings included extra recess time and field trips. Inappropriate behaviors decreased from a mean of 6.8…

A variety of psychotherapeutic methodologies has proliferated as a consequence of rapid growth in the need for mental health services. The effectiveness of many of these methods is questionable. Although each psychotherapeutic technique advances claims for its continued use based on clinical effectiveness, few offer adequate scientific evidence to…

A contract and point system were used to decrease the pilfering behavior of an 11-year-old boy. Under the contract system, the boy kept a daily record of his progress and earned points toward a trip to the planetarium. After introduction of the contract the pilfering dropped from at least two times a week to none at all. (LS)

A 13-year-old congenitally blind black girl was involved in a study designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a longitudinal behavior modification approach in extinguishing "blindisms" (persistent autistic-like behaviors) in a variety of settings. (SB)

The combined effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and a token reinforcement program in controlling the classroom behavior of 16 hyperactive, institutionalized retarded youngsters (9- to 15-years-old) was investigated. (Author)

Six clinical programs (N=55) and one controlled, experimental program (N=25) were carried out in which parents of hyperkinetic children (ages 3-18 years) were trained in ten-week workshops to alleviate behavior problems by means of behavior modification and child management practices. Journal availability: C.V. Mosby Company, 11830 Westline…

Article attempts to orient the reader to the behavioral approach and an overall perspective of the main elements that must be evaluated in preparation for formulation of a treatment program. (Author/RK)

This study, an approach to controlling "acting-out" behaviors of handicapped children in elementary schools, describes the use of a home-based dependent group contingency to eliminate the destructive behavior (fire-setting, vandalizing property) of a mildly retarded eight-year-old boy. (Author/PN)