This study examined a behavioral intervention package to promote the use of target vocalizations alongside speech-generating device (SGD) mands. Six minimally verbal children with autism spectrum disorder participated, including three with no prior SGD experience. During baseline, SGD responses resulted in access to a preferred item and there was…

Foundational studies in decision making focused on behavior as the most accessible and reliable data on which to build theories of choice. More recent work, however, has incorporated neural data to provide insights unavailable from behavior alone. Among other contributions, these studies have validated reinforcement learning models by…

Dynamical models based on three steady-state equations for the law of effect were constructed under the assumption that behavior changes in proportion to the difference between current behavior and the equilibrium implied by current reinforcer rates. A comparison of dynamical models showed that a model based on Navakatikyan's (2007) two-component…

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in children and adolescents is a major public health problem. Fortunately, we can apply functional analysis, in conjunction with empirically validated NSSI assessment measurements, to precisely evaluate the biopsychosocial risk factors and reinforcements that contextualize NSSI. Empirically validated behavioral…

Because learned associations are quickly renewed following extinction, the extinction process must include processes other than unlearning. However, reinforcement learning models, such as the temporal difference reinforcement learning (TDRL) model, treat extinction as an unlearning of associated value and are thus unable to capture renewal. TDRL…

This article reports on an effort to change a teacher's behavior in a natural classroom setting. The author attempted to use modeling procedures as a means to increase the frequency of positive pupil-teacher contacts. Results were favorable. (Author)

The philosophies underlying the learning and structural theories used in psychology are described in this article. It is argued that a dialectical view provides some ways to breach the chasm between learning theory and the study of human development. (Author/DB)

This model analyzes the use of relaxation techniques with hyperactive children. Educators concerned with the use of drugs may appreciate this natural approach. (Author/MFD)

The purpose of the present investigation was (a) to examine the effect of two variables in developing assertive behavior using covert modeling and (b) to develop a technique to assess ongoing imagery during treatment. The results indicated that imagining multiple models or model reinforcement enhanced behavior change. (Author)

Research and clinical workers in the field of applied behavior analysis appear wedded to the re-education model of child behavior change. A review of the empirical literature strongly suggests that this model is inadequate in a number of respects. In response to these inadequacies, the authors propose an expansion of the model -- an expansion…

This study investigated effects of different modeling stimuli in a model reinforcement counseling setting. Results indicated no differences in effects between an all-verbal presentation and a more detailed presentation showing the activities he was describing while being verbally reinforced for his behavior. (Author)

In two experiments, the effects of prior reinforcement for compliance and noncompliance with adults' instructions were assessed with respect to the incidence of nonreinforced imitation of that adult in a subsequent modeling situation. Subjects were 15 boys and 15 girls of kindergarten age. (MS)

Based on an MA thesis submitted to the University of Utah (Herbert).

This review of the literature explores studies of the techniques used in behavior modification groups, the stages through which a group goes to solve its problems, and the particular tasks of the group worker in helping the group reach its goals. (Author)