Functional analyses of classroom disruption were conducted during contingent teacher and peer attention conditions for three children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Attention provided by peer confederates appeared to function as a distinct form of positive reinforcement for all three children (ages seven and nine). (Author/SW)

This study examined whether the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was a valid self-report instrument for gathering alcohol consumption information. College students completed surveys regarding alcohol consumption and social desirability level. No significant relationship was found between social desirability and drinking behavior. The survey…

Explored whether vicarious emotional reactions of macho males reflect a lack of empathy and a tendency to respond with anger. Male subjects (n=107) viewed videotapes of a crying, quiescent, and smiling baby, respectively. Macho males reported more anger and less empathy for the crying baby than did less macho males. (RJM)

Characteristics of Asperger syndrome are described, and behavioral and academic strategies are offered for addressing these symptoms in the classroom. Suggestions pertain to: insistence on sameness, impairments in social interactions, restricted range of interests, poor concentration, poor motor coordination, academic difficulties, and emotional…

An ecological perspective is used to evaluate the quality of mainstream child development research designs that include observational data collection procedures. A preliminary analysis of a case study is presented to illustrate the need for greater attention to ecological factors. (LZ)

This article discusses classroom strategies used with students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), methods for controlling the ADHD child's behavior, and the need for consistency and collaboration between the school and home. (Author/JDD)

Examined factors related to alcohol and other drug use among over 2,000 fraternity and sorority members. Found similar bases for alcohol and other drug use, including acceptability of inebriation and high school pattern of drinking. There tended to be more drug use among students with lower physical tolerance for alcohol than among those with…

The need for properly administered classroom discipline is manifested by misbehaving students desiring structure that reveals the importance of managing time, distinguishes between right and wrong, and supports the notion of perseverance. Top performers in administration and teaching understand and practice effective discipline by reinforcing and…

Develops an economic model to explain and describe cheating behavior of undergraduates. Addresses the similarities and differences between cheating and theft. Concludes that cheating behavior is inversely related to grade point average and directly related to observing others cheating and perception of the number of students who cheat. (DK)

Reports development of a battery of scales measuring four dimensions of adolescent leisure experience: boredom, awareness, anxiety, and challenge. Analysis confirmed the internal consistency reliability of a shortened version. Test-retest reliability was established over 12 months. Correlations with theoretically related measures suggested initial…

This paper describes a project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico), dealing with alternatives to contrived or artificial reinforcement. The paper proposes the use of natural reinforcement, which can be individualized and received without the mediation of another person and which contributes to making the natural consequences of behavior…

This commentary on EC 603 646, a paper describing a natural reinforcement project of Communidad Los Horcones (Mexico), argues that natural reinforcement is best when the learning objective produces a natural reinforcer and when the natural reinforcer is more powerful than any competing punishers inherent in the task or reinforcers for competing…

Contends that understanding the concept of protection as motivation for behavior can be gained by considering child's and family's social situation. Presents eight social situations that may influence child's behavior. Problem-solving strategies, in form of directives, are presented for problems associated with each situation. Explains how school…

Techniques for developing self-management skills in students with learning and/or behavioral difficulties are explained, including self-monitoring and self-instruction. Development of self-management skills is seen to facilitate mainstreaming and provide prereferral intervention assistance. (DB)

Examined differences in social and academic competence between Chinese 8- and 10-year olds with and without siblings. Unlike previous studies, results of peer assessment measures and behavior rating scales indicated no significant differences between the only-child subjects and those with siblings in the areas of social behavior, peer…