A sensory extinction procedure (white noise programed through earphones) substantially reduced the stereotypic vocalization of two autistic children (9 years old) but had little practical effect on the clapping and object-dropping responses. (Author/CL)

Over 1,000 hours of observation were recorded by 18 production supervisors, 18 mentally retarded workers, and 18 employers through naturalistic observation, self-reports, and structured interviews, respectively. Distinct problematic social situations (N=355) were identified and problematic social behavior. (Author/CL)

Examined the differential validity of biographical subgroups in terms of postcollege experience using Owens' Developmental-Integrative Model. College students (N=1,428) were statistically grouped into biodata subgroups. Seven years later, 484 subjects were assessed on postcollege behavior. Significant differences were found between the biodata…

Examination of on-task behavior and academic performance of eight behavior problem second and third graders revealed that an all-positive approach relying primarily on praise was not effective. Ss' rates of on-task behavior were high and stable when an individualized reward system was used, however. (CL)

The study investigated the usefulness of behavior engagement (time spent in appropriate environmental interaction) as an outcome measure for discerning the efficacy of intervention efforts with preschool retarded, handicapped, at-risk, and nonhandicapped children participating in two different types of programs (traditional and nontraditional).…

Behavioral changes among seven adolescents with severe handicaps after moving to more normalized environments, were compared with changes among matched Ss remaining in an institution. After six months, experimental Ss made significantly greater gains in group maintenance and in the nongoal-oriented behavior subcategory of sitting. Greater change…

No differential effects were revealed between minimal and relatively lengthy intervals in simulated and in vivo training of two students (8 and 13 years old) with severe handicaps. Performance in community fast food restaurants was measured. (CL)

Determined whether spouses in nondistressed marriages show greater equity and reciprocity of exchange and a greater degree of congruence than spouses experiencing marital distress by examining interactive patterns of self-disclosing behavior using the Self-Disclosure Coding System. Within-couple reciprocity patterns revealed highly similar…

Findings from a review of recent empirical studies on autism in the areas of behavioral characteristics (stimulus overselectivity, echolalia, imitation) and treatment interventions (social language development, stereotypic behavior, instructional design) are presented. (Author/CL)

Reports on a poll assessing the status of teenagers in the United States, including such findings as the fact that 22 percent of teenagers live in poverty and that more than one million teenagers become pregnant each year. (DF)

A voting behavior model hypothesizing voting intention as an intervening variable which mediates the relationship between voter attitudes and voting behavior was examined in the framework of the general election in Israel. Voter attitudes were assessed via a new attitude scaling device. The model was tested primarily via discriminant analysis.…

Analysis of effects of intertrial intervals on correct responding and self-stimulatory behavior by four autistic children (6-11 years old) revealed that short intertrial intervals produced decreased levels of self-stimulation and increased levels of correct responding. (Author/CL)

Research in the genetics of behavioral traits, undertaken by family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, has revealed information on normal variation in cognitive abilities as well as specific learning disabilities (primarily dyslexia). Genetic evaluation of learning disabled students have implications for counseling and recurrence risk…

A behavioral mapping observation procedure was employed in three classrooms with 19 autistic students (6-14 years old). Eight behaviors were observed in five typical classroom settings. The results indicated that within a classroom environment, particular settings were associated with or "wedded to" high rates of particular behavior and low rates…

Explored the relationship between youthful subculture attitudes toward hedonism, immediate gratification, and drug use in a longitudinal study of California youths (N=23 and N=72). Specific attitude measures indicated no relationship between degree of drug use and youth subculture attitudes. (JAC)