For years, the assumption has been that stereotypical behaviors functioned only to provide sensory or automatic reinforcement. However, these behaviors also may serve social functions. Given the unsettled debate, functional behavior assessment and functional analysis can be used to identify the exact function of stereotypical behavior and design…

A survey of 144 educators examined their preference for positive versus negative interventions based on the amount of information provided about students with behavior problems. Although there was an overall preference for positive interventions, having an explanation of misbehavior did lead to the choice of more positive interventions. (Author/CR)

Effects of 2 home-based treatments to reduce school problems among 10 disruptive intermediate school students were probed. Although the treatment using only positive reinforcement yielded no significant change, a mixed reinforcement treatment brought both a decrease in rates of referrals to the office and decrease in depression rates. (Author/PB)