The paper discusses the use of active stimulation devices which use various types of electronic switches to provide positive reinforcement for desired movement in severely handicapped students. Data show the effects of using an electronic switch to increase independent head control in a spastic quadriplegic severely handicapped girl. The problems…

Two studies involving college students examined mechanisms responsible for observed self-reinforcement effects. Results seemed to support the view that self-reinforcement procedures work by setting a socially available standard against which performance can be evaluated. (CL)

Three experiments were conducted to examine the relationship between developmental differences in reinforcer preference value and in learning-set performance. A second purpose was to investigate ontogenetic differences in the effects of experience with continuous but qualitatively inconsistent reward. (Author/SB)

Examines the effects of the behavior of the teacher as well as the type of program on the interpersonal behavior of four-year-old children (N=20). Specifically looks at the type of reinforcement used by the teacher with the Magic Circle technique. (Author)

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)