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 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…

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)

Presented is research evidence in support of the use of behavior extinction procedures for mentally handicapped persons in residential treatment situations. (IM)

Sensitivity to reinforcement contingencies was examined in six individuals with mental retardation using a concurrent operants procedure in the context of a computer game. Results included individual differences in sensitivity and differential sensitivity to rate and magnitude variation. Results suggest that comprehensive assessments of potential…

Results of a study comparing the outcome of a reinforcement (do only) procedure with correspondence (say/do) training indicated no apparent differences in generalization between two groups of mentally retarded adults (N=12). Rule-governed behavior, rather than verbal regulation of behavior, may best account for behavior changes seen in…

Social feedback was investigated as a treatment strategy for reducing inappropriate verbalizations by a retarded adult in a vocational-training program. Treatment procedures were introduced as a combination of three components: praise for not verbalizing inappropriately, reprimands, and instruction. (Author)

A combination of reinforcement for correct imitations and timeout for failure was more effective in establishing imitation in a 4-year-old institutionalized retarded child than reinforcement used alone. (CL)

A method of rapid token training was undertaken in which 20 moderately retarded institutionalized adults observed a model perform a specific behavior for which a token was awarded and exchanged for a back-up reinforcer. (CL)

Self-induced vomiting in a severely retarded visually impaired adult was reduced by consistent application of restitutional overcorrective strategy. (Author/CL)

One of six publications of the Research Advisory Committee of the National Association for Retarded Citizens, the monograph presents guidelines for using behavioral procedures with retarded individuals in residential settings, group living homes, sheltered workshops, or other settings. Addressed are the following topics (sample subtopics in…

Satiation, over-correction and differential reinforcement of other behavior resulted in the elimination of chronic clothes ripping by six institutionalized mentally retarded emotionally disturbed adolescents. (CL)

Examined are the implications of independent ambulation for severely retarded children and reviewed is the literature describing behavioral interventions which facilitate walking. (Author)