In the first of three studies, A Nonverbal Technique for Studying Music Preference, a free operant technique was used for determining the type of music most preferred, and therefore most likely to function as a reinforcer, for 66 retarded children (ages 9-20, IQ range 34-69). In the second study, Effects of Noncontingent Music on Addition…

This study investigated the effectiveness of operant conditioning procedures in stimulating intermediate elementary students to constructively utilize free time for pursuing occupational information. (RC)

Children having academic and behavior problems may benefit from a contract drawn up by the teacher identifying specific behaviors that should be changed. Agreed upon and understood by student, teacher, and parents, the contract becomes an effective teaching tool. (JD)

This study was designed to assess the influence of "Sesame Street" and "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," two popular children's television programs, on the social behavior of 26 children. (BRT)

The study found that in the absence of a history of negative consequences, an all-positive management system for eight first- through third-grade children with academic and/or classroom behavioral problems was not sufficient to maintain on-task rates of academic accuracy. The addition of negative consequences immediately improved on-task behavior…

Evaluation of the effect of three conditions (reinforcement, self-monitoring, and self-monitoring plus reinforcement) on the productivity rates of three mentally retarded adults employed in a sheltered workshop indicated that reinforcement was most effective when combined with self-monitoring. (Author/DB)

To help the beginning teacher successfully manage and discipline students, a list of 36 techniques is provided. This includes suggestions on acting as a role model, developing individual student relationships, managing time, and more. (JL)

Four basic social learning principles are presented along with examples of how each is utilized first to learn delinquent behavior and then in helping delinquents change. (Author/LHW)

Investigated which skills are valued by parents who are enrolled in either a positively oriented behavioral parenting group or a consensus parenting group that emphasized communication and negotiation skills. Results indicated positive reinforcement was the most valued technique for the behaviorally oriented parenting group. For the consensus…

Based on observations of children ages 21-25 months in play groups, investigates reactions of both peers and teachers to behaviors that could be identified and coded as male, female, or neutral. (Author/NH)

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)