Brief experimental analysis (BEA) is a useful tool for quickly evaluating intervention strategies for individuals with academic deficits and minor behavior problems. However, there is a lack of research investigating BEA for intervention strategies with individuals who emit severe problem behavior to avoid academic demands. For the current study,…

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 paper provides an overview of behavioral strategies used for reducing hand-related stereotypies (i.e., hand/finger mouthing, eye poking, self-slapping, and other hand-to-head/body responses) of persons with severe to profound intellectual and multiple disabilities. Computerized and manual searches were conducted to identify the studies…

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…

Each instance of out-of-seat behavior of four hyperactive moderately/severely mentally retarded eight and nine year olds resulted in return to seat followed by 15-second physical restraint. Out-of-seat behavior of all four Ss increased during two implementations of the restraint contingency compared to levels during alternative baseline periods.…

The results show that orientation was affected by the contingencies, but productivity was not. An increase in task attention did not result in a corresponding increase in productivity. (Author)

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

The paper presents guidelines for training staff to implement positive reductive procedures to decrease undesirable behaviors of their retarded students and clients. Considerations relevant to all reductive procedures are briefly discussed in the first portion of the paper, while guidelines indigenous to positive reductive procedures are discussed…

Sensitivity theory divides the causes of challenging behavior into three categories, aberrant contingencies, aberrant environments, and aberrant motivation. This paper replies to criticism that sensitivity theory is circular and unsupported by empirical evidence by reporting on studies that support the theory and rejecting the idea that…

Educational experience in the community provides students with moderate and severe intellectual disabilities the opportunity to learn and rehearse skills they need to participate fully in community environments. The degree to which students with intellectual disabilities participate in their communities is often dependent on their ability to…

An inexpensive urine alarm circuit is described which works with detection currents of less than 10 microamps, thus preventing any electrical burns. (Author)

A nurse involved with institutionalized retarded children analyzes the value of behavior modification and describes four behavior modification programs planned and carried out by nursing staff to modify food stealing, screaming at mealtimes, excessive requests for self assurance, and unitary incontinence. (CL)