Objective: To bridge theory of response inhibition and learning in children with ADHD. Method: Thirty ADHD and 30 non-ADHD children (ages 9-12) were compared under concurrent variable interval (VI-15 sec., VI-30 sec. and VI- 45 sec.) reinforcement schedules that required the child to switch between the three schedules under conditions of…

The experimental analysis of behavior has identified several molar functional relations that are highly relevant to clinical behavior analysis. These include matching, discounting, momentum, and variability. Matching provides a broader analysis of how multiple sources of reinforcement influence how individuals choose to allocate their time and…

Ex-smokers (N = 61) who had stopped smoking as part of a televised "clinic" were assigned to either a tape-reinforcement or nonreinforcement condition and were followed up a month later. A self-regulated reward system can be an extremely cost-effective tool in preventing short-term recidivism among neophyte ex-smokers. (Author)

This series of papers was presented in a symposium on behavior therapy. Each paper represents a separate study focusing on one aspect of behavior modification. The issue of reinforcement is prominant with regard to its type and source. Methods of self-reinforcement and older-peer modeling are studied. The suggestion that subjects who reinforce…

Student volunteers who experienced problems in impulsive overspending of money were randomly assigned to either a self-control treatment condition or to a placebo condition. Those in the self-control condition evidenced a significantly greater change (55 percent reduction in spending) than placebo control subjects, who showed a slight average…

Subjects monitored either a target behavior or a competing response, namely, its nonoccurrence. Predicted interaction between style of monitoring and deficit or excess status of target behavior did not occur. Monitoring target behavior was the most effective tactic, producing lowest drop-out rate and greatest maintenance of self-monitoring.…

Variations of systematic desensitization that include deep muscle relaxation (DMR) seem useful in remediating some behavior problems of children. Studied the effects of DMR and DMR with Covert Positive Reinforcement (CPR) in reducing maladaptive behavior of children, ages 6 to 12. (Author)

Three experiments investigating variables related to the assessment and therapeutic functions of self-recording are reported. Monetary reinforcement and subject motivation were variables that enhanced the accuracy of self-monitoring. Varying levels of feedback did not differentially affect accuracy. The implications of the findings are discussed.…

Three studies demonstrated the viability of using a changing criterion procedure for increasing the work production rates of three severely/profoundly retarded adult workers. (Author/SBH)

College students, 48 males and 48 females, were interviewed about attempts to self-control overeating, smoking, studying, or dating. Results indicated successful self-controllers used more techniques for longer periods of time, use of self-reinforcement procedures was an important discriminant of successful self-management, and methods varied…

Modeling, self-verbalization, and self-reinforcement techniques were used to train 18 hyperactive children (6-10 years old) in more effective and less impulsive strategies for approaching cognitive tasks, academic problems, and social situations. (Author/SBH)

An undergraduate's problem consisted of recurrent, frightening, and uncontrollable visual sensations. The client cooperated in exercises which involved producing, maintaining, and dismissing the sensations at the verbal signals of the therapist. At both the 45- and 85-day follow-up, the client reported substantially reduced incidence of the…

This study compares three six-week programs for weight control that were followed by several booster sessions and a 15-week followup. Although subjects in all programs showed significant weight losses (an average of 8.1 pounds for the 22 weeks), no significant differences between groups emphasizing stimulus control, reinforcement or general…

The issues discussed in this paper center around the recent applications of laboratory-derived behavioral principles and techniques to everyday situations and problems, particularly those concerned with educational practice. A brief review of the ways that behavior modification has been used in education to date is included. Basically, the…

Contends that ultimate control of behavior does not yet rest with individual and that learning theory may have to turn outward toward society before it can turn inward toward individual. (DS)