The visual short-term cued recall memory of 8-, 12-, and 16-month-olds was assessed in two experiments using an operant indirect delayed-reaction procedure. In each experiment, 12- and 16-month olds performed better than chance, whereas 8-month-old infants did not. (Author/DB)

The paper stresses that, in teaching language handicapped children, the natural reinforcement of language as means of communication, of obtaining wants, is of more value than reinforcers (such as candy) often used in clinical settings. (PHR)

The experiment assessed, within a multiple baseline design, the possibility of improving the learning of three autistic children (4 to 7 years old) by changing arbitrary response-reinforcer relationships so that the target behaviors became functional (i.e., a direct part of the response chain required for the child to procure the reinforcer).…

Four levels of the behavior constraint-reinforcement variable were manipulated: attractive reward, unattractive reward, request to perform, and a no-reward control. Only the unattractive reward and request groups showed the performance decrements that suggest the overjustification effect. It is concluded that reinforcement does not cause the…

The effects of psychostimulant medication and behavior therapy on hyperactive children were reviewed with regard to effects on their social and academic behavior. Both treatments have resulted in clear short-term changes in social behavior but neither long-term academic nor long-term social effects have been shown with either treatment. (Author)

Shows how a multimodal treatment approach that utilizes a broad range of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, and psychological skills training methods can eliminate assaultive behavior among incarcerated juvenile offenders. The study found that those youths who received the multimodal treatment showed significant or at least considerably better…

Describes the S.T.O.P. Sign Technique, a method developed to assist individuals meet the challenge of successfully making or choosing a more appropriate behavioral response. Proposes that the technique has a rather broad application in working with individuals, couples, or families. (GCP)

Identifies and analyzes several variables important in predicting the likelihood of abstinence among substance abuse clients. Data was collected from 1,350 clients treated for alcohol or drug abuse in residential, halfway house, or outpatient facilities. Analyzing 22 variables as possible treatment outcome predictors, results found one…

Describes the benefits of making school building more energy efficient. Provides examples of physical retrofits and behavioral changes to save energy costs. Describes four-step process to create an energy efficiency plan. Includes resources and information such as U.S. Department of Energy's Energy STAR program (www.energystar.gov). (PKP)

Presents systematic analysis of the major treatment approaches used for selective mutism. Based on nonparametric statistical tests of effect sizes, major findings include the following: treatment of selective mutism is more effective than no treatment; behaviorally oriented treatment approaches are more effective than no treatment; and no…

Illuminates a collaborative effort between the author and Dr. Arnold A. Lazarus, an internationally known presenter, author, and therapist. Many consider Lazarus to be a pioneer of behavior therapy and brief psychotherapy. Presents details about his unique perspective regarding therapy with couples and families. Provides case examples that…

Presents discussion of basic components and characteristics of contingency contracts. Includes case study in which contingency contracting procedures were integrated within a behavioral consultation model used by a school psychologist consulting with a classroom teacher to modify personal hygiene of 12-year-old male. (Author/ABL)

Studied effectiveness of relapse prevention program in 744 smokers trained to use over 40 behavioral and cognitive smoking cessation techniques. At 1-week follow-up session, abstainers were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 follow-up conditions: skills training, discussion, and no treatment. Survival analysis indicated higher abstinence rates for the…

Autistic leading in four autistic children, aged three-five, was treated by strengthening pointing as an alternative form of request. Following intervention, pointing gradually replaced leading, and stimulus generalization was observed. Results indicate that functional equivalence and response efficiency can be procedurally combined to…

Subjected adolescents on 16-bed token economy ward of state hospital to 4 interventions in 7-phase experiment to reduce number of fines they received each day. No significant differences in average fines per day, number of residents meeting criteria, or mean number of zero-fine days per week were found across phases. (Author/NB)