This introductory paper covers basic concepts and terminology relevant to the application of research on relational learning to mental retardation. The paper discusses conditional discrimination; conditional stimulus relations and stimulus equivalence; generalized stimulus relations; impact of mediational processes on emergent behavior; relational…

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author suggests that model weaknesses include its emphasis on language and cognitive processes, the questionable validity of the effectiveness of self-instruction techniques with lower functioning persons, and the mixed evidence for training generalization…

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author sees parallels between Whitman's model and ideas of L. Vygotsky but also such differences as Whitman's focus on linguistic systems contrasted with Vygotsky's focus on the practice or activity of using language. (DB)

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author raises four points: use of alternatives to language based interventions, questionable effectiveness of verbal self-instruction with the retarded, questionable practicality of gradual withdrawal of teacher prompting, and need for immediate testing of…

In response to Whitman, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812), the author distinguishes between operant and cognitive training methods to develop self-regulatory skills and disagrees with Whitman's observation that the procedures for teaching retarded persons are essentially the same as for nonretarded persons. (DB)

The author answers responses (EC 222 813-814) to his paper, "Self-Regulation and Mental Retardation" (EC 222 812). Research is encouraged into questions concerning the extent complex and independent adaptive behaviors can be taught to the retarded and the comparative effectiveness of verbal mediators or alternative approaches in…