The study examined effects of varied punishers (overcorrection, time-out, or a verbal "no" compared with the single presentation of one punisher (a loud noise) on occurrence of inappropriate behaviors in three developmentally delayed children (ages 5-6). Both formats produced a decrease in target behaviors, with the varied-punisher format slightly…

The study evaluated a commonly used component of brief time-out, in which release from time-out is delayed contingent on the occurrence of the disruption. Data were collected for one normal and two mentally retarded children on time-out producing behaviors and delay-producing behaviors during time-out. (Author/CL)

Evaluates whether time-in alone (physical touch and verbal praise) versus the combined use of time-in and time-out was a more effective treatment for noncompliance with three developmentally disabled children. Results show that although time-in alone resulted in increased compliance, the time-in/time-out combined phase resulted in further…

This study assessed the efficacy of using obsessions as reinforcers contingent upon nonoccurrence of inappropriate behaviors in four children (ages five and six) with autism. The most effective treatment was providing the obsession plus mild reductive procedures (such as time out). Use of obsessions alone and use of food reinforcers with mild…

A time-out from speaking contingency was evaluated in the treatment of stuttering in three school-age children. A red light time-out signal appeared for five seconds when the child stuttered. Two of the children responded to time-out with clear reductions in stuttering. Listeners did not detect any differences between the perceptually stutter-free…

Teachers used a nonexclusionary time-out package emphasizing ongoing participation to treat inappropriate social behaviors in 4 classrooms of roughly 16 preschool children each. Behavior improved in terms of several measures including direct observation. Opinions of treatment acceptability from a survey of 210 lay people were also found to support…

Time-out procedures are proven effective methods for reducing undesirable behavior in children. However, such procedures are often taught incorrectly or used improperly and are therefore of little value in reducing such behaviors. The authors present a review of literature, empirically based instruction methods, and a case scenario to assist…

A review of research was undertaken to clarify the use of time out as a behavior management method in the schools. "Time out," the concept of separating children from their peers, is applied in familial, day care, and school settings to manage negative behaviors. Wide variations in the observed application of time out in regular and…

This booklet reviews the literature and offers procedures to reduce undesirable behavior in school settings. The following topics are addressed: definition of terms relating to behavior reduction procedures; environmental modification (changing the demands of a task, reducing the complexity of each step, or teaching a new skill); differential…

Of 673 special education teachers responding to the survey, over 55 percent reported that behavior modification was not their major system of classroom management. Responses are broken down by categorical title of classroom for experiences with positive reinforcement, time out, negative reinforcement, contingency contracting, response cost,…

It was found that time-out was generally used for physical aggression in younger, brighter persons with shorter histories of institutionalization. (Author/SBH)

Evaluates the effectiveness of a peer intervention for disruptive behavior which was based on the results of a classroom-based functional analysis. Results indicate that peer attention, rather than teacher attention or escape/timeout, was associated with the most disruptive classroom behavior, suggesting that peer attention can reduce such…

Fourteen students, aged 7-24, with severe developmental disabilities who exhibited frequent aggression, self-injury, and/or tantrums were assessed to engage in problem behavior maintained by social attention or by escape from unpleasant situations. The differential effectiveness of praise and time-out was measured, indicating the importance of…

Individuals (n=55) with mild to moderate mental retardation rated the acceptability of differential reinforcement and time-out. Community-based subjects and institutionalized subjects differed in their ratings depending on the severity of the problem. (DB)

Classroom teachers know that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," therefore putting much time and energy into proactive strategies such as appropriate praising of desired behaviors or using proximity and precorrection to encourage behavior suitable for a good learning environment. Teachers also know that even after they use…