From 300 introductory psychology students, 40 female "snake phobics" were selected to test the hypothesis that distraction paired with fearful imagery is effective in alleviating the "phobia." Subjects were divided into three treatment groups and a control group: H+PI (fear hierarchy plus pleasant imagery as distraction), H+P…

Two studies investigated the hypothesis that noncontingent interviewer "mm-hmms" facilitate interviewee verbal productivity. Within- and between-subjects comparisons failed to support the hypothesis, although interviewees' ratings indicate that the mm-hmms were perceived as the social reinforcers they were intended to be. (Author)

It is asserted that behavior modification principles (such as using behavioral objectives, positive consequences, and individualized adaptations) should be employed in teaching behavior modification techniques to parents and teachers. (CL)

The article describes the successful application with six severely retarded institutionalized Ss (ages 13-23) of a shortened version of the behavior modification toilet training program developed by N. H. Azrin and R. M. Foxx. (DLS)

A critique of the behavior modification technique of overcorrection, used primarily with mentally handicapped individuals to reduce undesirable forms of behavior, is presented. (BD)

Three experiments investigated the effects of a treatment package on the self-injurious behavior of three profoundly retarded persons (ages 8-27 years) who appeared to enjoy the physical restraints used to prevent their self-injury. (Author)

Children in grades 5-7 were shown emotionally ambiguous slides of Japanese and East Indian Canadians paired with positively evaluated words. There was no change in positive attitudes towards the less threatening group (Japanese), but a significant change toward the more threatening group (East Indians), the reverse of the findings of a previous…

The biomotometer, an electronic device that simultaneously measures activity and provides auditory feedback to the subject, was used in combination with material reinforcers in two experiments attempting to modify activity level in two children (one hyperactive, one psychotic and hyperactive). (Author/SBH)

Examining the norm formation process in terms of internalization versus conditioning, this study concludes that Sherif's 1935 model of norm formation (internalization) is questionable, suggesting, rather, that with the internalization of group norms there appears to be a tendency for individual judgments to diverge when returned to individual…

The behavior of four female alcoholics was observed over a 22-day period. A 12-day drinking period was preceded by a 6-day predrinking baseline assessment period and followed by a 4-day postdrinking withdrawal phase. Points were earned for operant responding at a button-pressing task. No changes in psychopathology were noted during drinking.…