Early theories of hyperactivity and learning disabilities are discussed in this paper. Several approaches to treatment and intervention (behavioral, indirect, cognitive behavior, and stimulant medication) are described. (Author/A M)

In a case study on a 9-year-old retarded boy with autistic behaviors, suspected dietary substances were demonstrated not to be effective influences on the child's behavior. (Author/JYC)

College-student snake phobics received one of four treatments to reduce their snake avoidance behavior. Behavioral and self-report assessment showed all three treatments relative to the control to be highly and equally effective in reducing snake avoidance behavior. (Author)

The ecological approach to working with young children with behavior problems is described. A hypothetical case study is offered to demonstrate the shortcomings of nonecological approaches and the benefits of a broader outlook when intervening with children with behavior problems. (DB)

The article discusses the applied and clinical importance of the relationship between verbalizations and relevant behavior (i.e., between what people say and what they do). The analysis of verbal regulation in correspondence training has the theoretical complexity and sufficiency of the operant analysis of antecedents, behaviors, and consequences.…

Two studies compared the influence of task variation or task constancy on the aberrant responding of three severely handicapped students (ages 5, 12, and 20 and diagnosed autistic and/or mentally retarded). Both studies showed that the varied task sequence resulted in much lower levels of disruptive and self-stimulatory behaviors. (Author/DB)

Results of two experiments on choosing replacement behaviors for behavior problems in developmentally disabled students were consistent with the hypothesis that some behavior problems may be viewed as nonverbal communication and that behavior problems and verbal communicative acts may be equivalent in function. Therefore, strengthening the latter…

This study employed an ABA withdrawal design, replicated three times, with a control subject and a follow-up phase, to evaluate the effects of self-observation in reducing disruptive classroom behaviors. Results showed that the percentage of disruptive classroom behaviors were dramatically reduced as a consequence of treatment. (Author/LMO)

A combination of an avrsive taste, a standard command, and a novel cueing signal was found to be the most effective and efficient method of reducing maladaptive mouthing behavior in three four- to seven-year-old deaf/blind school children. (Author/MC)

A variable interval schedule of reinforcement was used with five behavior disordered boys (7-13 years old) to improve attending and study behavior of the children during the communicative skills period. (SBH)

This classic book presents the basic principles of behavior emphasizing the use of preventive techniques as well as consequences naturally available in the home, business, or school environment to change important behaviors. This book, and its companion piece, "Measurement of Behavior," represents more than 30 years of research and strategies in…

Two disruptive adult behaviors, arriving late to class and not remaining in class, were significantly changed by changes in the reward structure. Implications are considered for the use of behavior modification approaches in designing more effective learning environments for disadvantaged adults. (Author/AG)

A model combining a behavioural approach with Reality Therapy was used effectively in controlling a group of behaviour problems in the classroom. In this design the children earned and/or lost certain rewards depending on their daily classroom behaviour. Some difficulties that may arise, and suggested solutions to these, are discussed. (Author)

Presents twelve reasons why educators should be wary of behavior modification. (JF)

Answers criticisms of and questions about behavior modification. (JF)