This paper explains the brief stimulus preference procedure (SPA), which is designed to identify efficiently the effective reinforcers for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. SPA involves presenting the child with four items he/she generally responds well to plus one new item. After allowing the child to pick his preferred…

This study examined the relationship between positive discipline techniques and classroom transition times in middle-school classrooms. The study sample consisted of four language arts classes with a total of 113 predominantly white eighth-grade students from a northeast Tennessee school system. Data were collected by establishing transition times…

Two disruptive adult behaviors, arriving late to class and not remaining in class, were significantly changed by changes in the reward structure. Implications are considered for the use of behavior modification approaches in designing more effective learning environments for disadvantaged adults. (Author/AG)

This study tested whether modeling and positive vicarious reinforcement produced imitation of a socially approved behavior. The data is discussed in light of the practicality and feasibility of using modeling procedures in the schools. (Author)

Study found that the use of vibration as a reinforcement compared favorably with a food reinforcer and was significantly more effective as a reward than the touch or the noise emitted by the vibrator. (Author/RK)

High school underachievers are aided in redirecting their self-images by use of group discussion seminars. (DB)

Prescriptive assignments of an appropriate achievement level during math period resulted in increased attending during math period and slight increases in completion of all academic assignments. (Results were) maintained even after experimental procedures were withdrawn. (Author)

Systematic application of positive reinforcement principles can be a powerful tool for teachers in the classroom setting. (NH)

The effect of free- versus no-talk conditions between target and peer subjects under vicarious reward conditions was examined. Data collected from fourth graders on an alphabet reproduction task showed that vicarious reinforcement effects occurred when verbal communication of reward enjoyment to nonreward subjects was possible. (Author/BW)