The current study evaluated the use of various behavioral measures of running away with regard to (a) the differential utility of interval- versus event-based measures, (b) the differential utility of rate versus duration measures, (c) the utility of correcting for occurrence opportunity, and (d) the influence of unit of analysis (i.e.,…

As researchers continue to study creativity, a behavior analytic perspective may provide new vistas by offering an additional perspective. Contemporary behavior analysis began with B. F. Skinner and offers a selectionist approach to the scientific investigation of creativity. Behavior analysis contributes to the study of creativity by…

The successful application of functional analysis to problem behavior suggests the need to examine: additional functional properties of behavior involving social avoidance, biological reinforcement, and respondent conditioning; the role of context (including social factors and biological factors); and the multidimensional character of assessment…

Summarizes outcome results of treatment programs for boys exhibiting problems commonly subsumed under the label "conduct disorder." Treatment consisted of training agents in each setting to alter the deviant behaviors of the problem child. Direct observations were made in children's homes and classrooms before, during, and after intervention.…

Among the phenomena covered are superstitious behavior, learned helplessness, experimental neurosis, anaclitic depression as a result of maternal separation, and physiological disturbances such as ulceration. (Author/AM)

Results with preschool children were nonsupportive and, in fact, contrary to the general hypothesis that high external locus of control would be positively related to greater behavior adjustment problems, as has been found with some groups of older children and adults. (RL)

This article reviews literature on the responses of direct care staff to challenging behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. The paper constructs a behavior analytic description of the functions of care staff behavior in relation to their clients' challenging behaviors, draws a distinction between contingency-shaped and rule-governed…

The association between usage of alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and other behaviors was investigated among ninth graders in 40 schools in Ontario. A sample of 1008 boys and 1040 girls gave information on a range of behaviors and activities. Results indicated that drug usage was strongly associated with delinquent, sexual and social behavior. Both…

This study demonstrated reinforcement control over pronounced feminine behaviors in a male child who had been psychologically evaluated as manifesting "childhood cross-gender identity." Reinforcement control over cross-gender behavior was demonstrated by identifying some behavioral treatment conditions under which feminine behaviors could be…

Cognizant of certain recurring characteristics of emotional maladjustment, the author hypothesized (1) that no significant differences would be found between characteristics of emotional maladjustment related to reading disability and characteristics observed in a group of retarded readers and (2) that there would be no significant differences…

Discusses behavioral momentum and the general behavioral relation between the persistence of behavior and the rate of reinforcement obtained in a given situation. Strategies for establishing the generality of behavioral relations are reviewed, followed by a brief summary of evidence for the generality of behavioral momentum. (Author/CR)

Assesses the locus of control orientation within an alcoholic population and relates this orientation to the degree of cognitive dysfunction. Results suggest that female alcoholics, specifically those who need inpatient treatment, may be a relatively more disturbed group compared to alcoholic male inpatients. (Author/PC)

Black first-and second-grade students (N=40) were given instructions intended to induce possessiveness for both a designated toy and a play area. Each subject then surreptitiously observed an experimental confederate dressed in a clown costume play with either the designated toy or another toy. Results are discussed. (Author)

The results of this study suggest a practical alternative to increase the effectiveness of discipline in the home and school. Parents and teacher might well rehearse (reinstate) with the child the transgression sequence just prior to the discipline. (Author)

Reviews laboratory research on behavioral momentum conducted with pigeons and summarizes its findings and their generality to people, including those with mental retardation. Discusses the high-probability procedure used to establish compliance in clinical settings and based in part on an extension of the momentum metaphor. (CR)