Academic psychology and education are too much theoretically and methodologically committed; they need "field commitment"--an orientation which allows the people who are working with problem children or adults to use any technique, any tools at their disposal that will enable them to perform most proficiently in a given situation. Until people…

This article reviews 66 studies which used applied behavior analysis to change the behaviors of students with visual disabilities. It documents the participants, targeted behaviors, procedures used, outcomes, and follow-up. The article offers recommendations for future researchers on the selection of subjects, target behaviors, appropriate…

This study, which used systematic desensitization (SD) behavior therapy to reduce anxieties associated with giving speeches, was based on the hypothesis that subjects given SD therapy five times in 1 week (massed training) would achieve greater reduction of communication anxiety than would subjects treated once a week for 5 weeks (spaced…

The importance of reinforcing the reading achievement of children and the procedures for accomplishing this reinforcement are discussed. (CK)

This article describes the use of the precise feedback and negative reinforcement to ameliorate problems at a community health center. Both procedures were successful in improving the performance (returning toys to their appropriate places) of undergraduate paraprofessionals involved in an educational program for disadvantaged children. The study…

This review of behavioral research on teaching individuals with profound multiple handicaps found that behavior change has resulted from contingency management interventions, but the behavior changes cannot be described as beneficially affecting the individuals' quality of life. Explanations for this are offered, and suggestions for future…

Teaching critical treatment-related skills to behavior change agents is an important task. One such treatment-related skill is the ability to observe and specifically describe ongoing appropriate and inappropriate behaviors. In this study, the effectiveness of a training package in teaching behavior specificity was demonstrated in two experiments.…

This guide shows how principles of functional assessment can be applied to behavior problems of students with mental retardation to identify the behavior's purposes and plan for more effective intervention in classrooms, supported living settings, and work settings. It shows how to conduct a functional assessment and link assessment results to…

Research on training trainers in program implementation is reviewed, focusing on the train-the-trainers model of behavioral consultation. The disconnection between research and practice in the field of behavior analysis is addressed. An emerging approach involves guiding practitioners in choosing, adapting, applying, and evaluating interventions…

It has been the experience of most adult basic education teachers that their students are apprehensive about taking tests. The study evaluates the effects of training adult basic education teachers in behavioral attending skills. Two basic questions were investigated: (1) Would the training of instructors in the use of behavior attending skills…

This study examined the effects of interpersonal cognitive problem solving (ICPS) training for inner city mothers on the problem-solving skills and behaviors of their children. Twenty black mother-child pairs received training and 20 pairs matched in ICPS ability served as controls. The children were of comparable mean age (4.3 years), school…