A motivating operation (MO) alters both the effectiveness of a stimulus as a reinforcer and the current frequency of all behavior that has been reinforced by that particular stimulus. This article reviews studies that have manipulated a MO during interventions with school-age participants with intellectual disabilities and problem behavior. A…

The hypothesis that children with ADHD learn poorly under conditions of inconsistent reinforcement because they are easily frustrated and fail to develop persistence was investigated (N=22). Effects of partial and continuous reinforcement on measures of frustration, learning performance, and persistence were studied. Findings suggest that partial…

This study examines the relationship between a critical learning outcome of behavioral fluency and endurance, by comparing the effects of two practice procedures on multiplication facts two through nine. The first procedure, called whole time practice trial, consisted of an uninterrupted 1 minute practice time. The second procedure, endurance…

Tests the efficacy of a cueing procedure for improving the impulse regulation of four boys with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) during social skills training. Behavioral data suggested that all subjects demonstrated positive changes in impulse regulation. Likewise, the treatment effects appeared to have produced positive effects on…

This special issue of Behavior Modification is designed to add to the literature on the behavioral assessment and treatment of CP displayed by adolescents. Contained in this issue are six empirical articles dealing with important issues on the topic. They provide examples of the richness of clinical problems classified as "conduct problems"…

Difficulties with a wide range of social interactions are experienced by children with ADHD. Fifty children and adolescents were tested for ability to recognize the six basic facial expressions of emotion. Results are reported; implications for remediation of social skill deficits commonly seen in children with ADHD are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Six boys, aged 9 to 12, attended a tutoring class focusing on reading for 30 minutes each morning. Six, 10-day treatment periods were imposed that used various combinations of drug placebo, noncontingent reinforcers, 0.3 mg/kg methylphenidate, 0.7 mg/kg methylphenidate, and self-reinforcement. The combined effects of methylphenidate and…

Self-management procedures have been used in school settings to successfully reduce problem behaviors, as well as to reinforce appropriate behavior. A multiple-baseline across participants design was applied in this study to evaluate the effects of using a self-management procedure to enhance the classroom preparation skills of secondary school…

Investigates the influence of Captain's Log, a computerized cognitive-training system, on the behaviors and performance capabilities of severely disturbed children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (N=4). Results support the expectation that children who are most successful in the training would demonstrate the highest levels of…

Evaluated the effects of parent training on mother behavior and the disruptive behavior of eight children. Parent training was conducted within a multiple-baseline design across children. Direct observation, interviews, and standardized rating scales showed improvements in behavior; six-month follow-up demonstrated the stability of changes.…