Discussion of the design of games and simulations focuses on the fundamental defining features called deep structure. The two main levels of interaction in games and simulations are described; generalized reinforcers are discussed; types of defective contingencies are explained, including escape or avoidance behaviors; and the concept of negative…

Stokes, Osnes, and Guevremont's (1987) implicit definition of correspondence classes is fundamentally procedural. A contingency-space analysis, on the other hand, is independent of specific procedures and focuses attention on problems inherent in some procedural definitions. It addresses the issue of distinguishing specific instances from classes.…

In this article, the author presents his views on Michael's (1975) and Baron and Galizio's (2005) arguments on eliminating the distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. He first discusses Michael's concept of these two types of operations and contrasts it with the notions of Baron and Galizio. The author provides the readers his own…

The author of this article presents his own explanation on the two types of conditioning--respondent and operant. He states that when withdrawal of a negative reinforcer is the contingency that increases the strength of the operant behavior, the stimulus will have a negative emotional response to the experimental chamber. However, when a positive…

Baron and Galizio (2005) reviewed and updated Michael's (1975) observations concerning the problems surrounding the distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. In the end they concluded that the valence is unjustified. However, despite the fact that the logical and empirical underpinnings of the distinction have been questioned for…

Contingency management programs for modifying aggression in children are strong methods of short-term behavior change in treatment settings but are less than successful when transferred to other settings. Future research should compare cognitive with noncognitive behavioral programs and test the effectiveness of cognitive and noncognitive…

Six responses to a study on reinforcement contingencies defined by the response deprivation hypothesis (Stanley Aeschleman and Margaret Williams) note interactions, trends, the role of context, a functional approach to learned performance, the substitutability of responses, and the ecology of reinforcement. (DB)

States that organizational values (a subset of organizational culture) provide behavioral guidelines for employees in organizations. Proposes that metaphorical imagery can heighten the usefulness of corporate values as behavioral guideposts. Notes managerial implications for change and suggests a process for change. (PA)

Draws from the empirical foundations of operant psychology to propose a unified theory, known as contingency analysis, for social work practice. Discusses the four propositions on which the theory is based that account for human behavior at all levels of social work practice. Shows that this approach has great utility for the profession.…

Focuses on currently popular behavioral models and examines their implications and limitations. Discusses behavioral methodology in relation to educational research and critiques contemporary behavioral practice. Describes ten characteristics of a behavioral interactionist perspective which, among other things, encourages learner initiative and…

A six-week contingency management program to improve classroom behavior of learning disabled high school students climaxed in a two-day camping field trip. (A detailed trip log is included.) (PHR)

This testimony discusses the risks faced by the U.S. Department of Education due to the year 2000 (Y2K) computing crisis, focusing on student financial aid systems, the actions the Department has taken in recent months to address these risks, and the key issues the Department must deal with if its computer systems are to be ready for the century…

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…

Functional assessment is redefining the standards for clinical interventions with problem behavior and reemphasizing the importance of basic behavioral mechanisms. It has shown the importance of complex patterns of behavioral control, functional assessment as an ongoing process, and the importance of attention to antecedent variables. Future…

Fundamentally, negotiation is a process for making decisions and is rhetorical since it is open to view and to rhetorical constructs. The rhetorical construct related to negotiation is invention, the finding of the materials, the arguments, for the discourse. For cross-cultural negotiation, one must display empathy for the varying cultures,…