This study examined how the amount of effort required to produce a reinforcer influenced subsequent preference for, and strength of, that reinforcer in 7 individuals with intellectual disabilities. Preference assessments identified four moderately preferred stimuli for each participant, and progressive-ratio (PR) analyses indexed reinforcer…

This article reviews evidence from basic and translational research with pigeons and humans suggesting that the persistence of operant behavior depends on the contingency between stimuli and reinforcers, and considers some implications for clinical interventions. (Contains 4 figures.)

The value of a reinforcer may change based on antecedent events, specifically the behavior of others (Bruzek & Thompson, 2007). In the current study, we examined the effects of manipulating the behavior of the therapist on problem behavior while all dimensions of reinforcement were held constant. Both participants' levels of problem behaviors…

The study evaluated methods for empirically identifying environmental determinants of aggressive and disruptive behavior in three developmentally delayed children. Sessions were designed to simulate contingencies maintaining aggression and disruption in the subjects' natural environments. Results showed variability between and within subjects. A…

Response contingent hand overcorrection was used to reduce the frequency of self-stimulatory behaviors in four retarded adults. (CM)

The literature on the use of physical restraint with adults and children with mental retardation is reviewed, including person-to-person restraint, mechanical devices, and voluntary self-restraint. Conclusions regarding outcomes of contingent and noncontingent restraint, maintenance, reinforcing effects of restraint, and risk of injury are…

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)

Two functional communication training (FCT) conditions were compared to treat behavior problems of a child with mental retardation. The child was taught to emit a single FCT response to obtain one of six items or multiple FCT responses that specified the exact item. Only the FCT-multiple conditions reduced problem behavior. (Contains four…

Described is the program provided by Behavior Management Services, an agency designed to help parents of retarded children with problem behaviors. Available from: Journal of Practical Approaches to Developmental Handicap, 3304-33rd Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2L 2A6. (SBH)

Meta-analysis of 482 empirical studies on treatment of problem behaviors of individuals with mental retardation found that externally destructive behaviors are less successfully treated than socially disruptive and internally maladaptive behaviors. Also, response contingent procedures were significantly more effective than other procedures.…

An experimental group of 11 mentally retarded Arab children (mean age 8.8 years) were involved in a contingency-management program based on successful completion of academic work. (Author)

Two papers describe studies to decrease inappropriate social behaviors of severely retarded students. R. Spangler and others in "The Effect of a Time-Out Procedure on the Duration of Tantrum Behavior in a 13-Year-Old Severely Retarded Male S" report on a three phase study in which a combination of verbal instructions and a timeout procedure…

Timeout from auditory reinforcement was employed to reduce rates of target responses of two mentally retarded children (9 and 11 years old). Results supported the response deceleration characteristic of timeout from auditory reinforcement and indicated its effectiveness as a response reduction technique. (Author)

Satiation, over-correction and differential reinforcement of other behavior resulted in the elimination of chronic clothes ripping by six institutionalized mentally retarded emotionally disturbed adolescents. (CL)