Describes study to determine bias of recorders in a typical classroom behavior modification investigation, specifically the effect of observers on pupils' behavior and the effect of induced expectations on the observer's recordings. Results show that neither variables produced bias in recording results. (KC)

The behavior modification procedure, carried out at mealtime with a ten-year-old retarded boy who had spastic cerebral palsy, consisted of differential reinforcement and punishment, and resulted in substantial decreases in tongue thrust (reverse swallowing) and food expulsion, and a large increase in observed chewing. (Author/DLS)

It was found, among other things, that physical sharing which was durable and generalizable resulted only when Ss were taught to share verbally, and that increases in physical sharing produced by training Ss to share only physically were not durable and did not generalize. (Author/DLS)

Instruction in teaching models given to cooperating teachers influences the behaviors of student teachers. (LH)

Health care psychology is distinguished from traditional child psychology in that it emphasizes clinical application and is concerned with primary mental health care. Diagnosis, classification, prediction, and treatment and control strategies in the field offer definite solutions to problems such as tracheotomy addiction, encopresis, psychogenic…

How far should agencies go toward involving mental health clients in treatment and evaluation? The achievement of a group of clients in developing measures of self-assessment supports a call for a partnership between the professional and the consumer. (Author)

The study involving 60 withdrawn and aggressive elementary school students tested the hypothesis that Ss would benefit from participating in daily learning sessions with peers having similar behavioral problems. After 5 weeks of peer tutoring, almost all Ss who actively participated in the program showed higher gains than control Ss in…

Results of statistical analysis of the data were that students of "C Group" participants achieved a positive change both in their perceptions of their teachers and in self-concept. Teacher attitudes and self-concepts were improved. (Author)

Two studies measured the feasibility of DRO (differential reinforcement of other behavior) and VT (variable time) reinforcement in reducing body rocking stereotypy of institutionalized severely and profoundly retarded adults (N=2 and 5). (CL)

The "relocation syndrome" in 16 multiply handicapped, institutionalized mentally retarded residents (mean age 18 years) was examined in an observational study. Weight change and the initiation and duration of constructive and nonconstructive behavior were observed, as well as resident-staff interactions before and after relocation to a new living…

Self-modeling is an intervention technique utilizing videotape, in which a subject acts out a script which involves desired behaviors. The subject then views the videotape as the treatment. A case study of an elementary school boy is presented in this brief report. (JKS)

Discusses the impact of television on Cree Indians within the context of their culture. Traditional conceptions about communication cause the Cree to be susceptible to TV, take it literally, idolize the superhero characters, read special messages into it concerning behavior requirements, and to be concerned about its potential harm to children.…

The article reports on an intervention procedure designed to initiate reading in a ten-year-old mentally retarded girl assessed as a 'zero reader'. (PHR)

A group-contingency behavior game significantly decreased disruptive classroom behavior after five weeks. The classroom observers gradually phased themselves out of the program, while training the teacher to continue the game unaided. Further analysis of the relative influences of peer pressure and competition v social reinforcement is needed. (CP)

Presented are some practical, ethical, and legal challenges to the token economy system in a critical look at behavior modification in classrooms. (Editor)