TWO GROUPS OF CHILDREN ATTENDED THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS NURSERY SCHOOL FOR EIGHT WEEKS. THE MORNING CLASS WAS HELD FOR 20 FOUR-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN OF MIDDLE-CLASS FAMILIES. THE AFTERNOON CLASS WAS FOR 24 FIVE-YEAR-OLD CHILDREN OF LOW-INCOME FAMILIES. THREE COMPARATIVE STUDIES WERE MADE. IN STUDY I NO CHANGE WAS FOUND ON THE PEABODY PICTURE…

THE EXTENSION AGENT CONDUCTING THE FARM AND HOME MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FOR FARMERS AND THEIR WIVES IN A NEW YORK COUNTY BEGAN USING SMALL EXPERIMENTAL STUDY GROUPS IN THE SECOND YEAR OF THE PROGRAM. USE OF SOCIOMETRIC TECHNIQUES FOR FORMING THESE GROUPS RESULTED IN REDISTRIBUTION OF THE 15 MEMBERS OF TWO ORIGINAL GROUPS TO FIVE DIFFERENT GROUPS AND…

This paper presents (1) literature which indicates that blocks are considered boys' materials and are mainly used by boys, and (2) a description of a study designed to encourage girls' play with blocks. Sixteen 4-year-olds (eight boys and eight girls), were observed for 30 minutes by two observers during free play activities with blocks. In…

Recently, investigators in behavior and community disciplines have advocated the adoption of positive prevention approaches for life transition problem-solving. Techniques in physiological, cognitive, and behavioral modalities were incorporated into a broad-based intervention program focusing on the acquisition of coping responses to handle life…

This learning module is designed for the teacher of children in the middle school years. The purpose is to prepare the teacher to foster in the children a positive self-image thus improving their academic achievement and ability to cope with life situations. The module contains self-evaluation tests and perception tests as well as an extensive…

Some of the unique characteristics of the drug abuse field which distinguish it from the other varieties of substance abuse and research methodologies for studying determinants of drug self-administration behavior which have been developed in response to these characteristics were investigated. Data suggest that residential drug…

This newsletter, focusing on literature and research on cognitive behavior modification (CBM), reviews articles and research on CBM with children. Works on retarded children, deaf children and children with learning disabilities are presented, with critical analyses. A parallel section on CBM with adults follows. Problem areas of phobias, anxiety,…

The relationship between interpersonal problem-solving training and behavioral adjustment was examined for 54 black, low-income preschool children. Pre- and post-testing was done with two interpersonal problem-solving measures designed by Shure and Spivack, Shure and Spivack's Hahnemann Preschool Behavior Rating Scale which classroom teachers were…

The possible influence of cognitive dissonance in psychotherapy was examined by conceptualizing therapy as an effort justification process. It was predicted that freely choosing to undergo a highly effortful procedure would aid in positive therapeutic change. Subjects (N=52) participated in a weight-reduction experiment in which the degree of…

This paper describes a first grader, manifesting high rates of problem behaviors in school, who was involved in two separate behavior management programs. Discussion of general behavior modification principles did not reduce problem behavior, but problem behaviors decreased considerably after daily letters from the teacher were sent to the child's…

A discussion is presented of the problems inherent in attempting to develop a national policy for health education. Health education is defined as any combination of learning experiences designed to facilitate voluntary adaptations of behavior conducive to health. The major difficulties facing developers of national health education are identified…

A procedure for determining the effectiveness of counseling programs is suggested in this monograph. Since the procedure is systematic and two-pronged--process and outcome evaluation--it provides information as to the degree of program effectiveness and/or ineffectiveness. A self-correcting system, the procedure's progressive steps illuminate…

After a brief review of the literature the research proposal focuses on the comparative effectiveness of non-verbal positive reinforcement vs. verbal negative reinforcement in the reduction of self-inflicted injury on 23 elementary age autistic children. In the two phase study each child would be paired by age, sex, length of time in school,…

Guidelines (established at the Syracuse Development Center) for conducting human research with institutionalized mentally retarded persons are discussed, particularly in relation to research in behavior modification. After a literature review, the five step procedure suggested by the Center is listed with such steps as submitting a proposal which…

The described teacher inservice education program is designed for preschool, elementary and secondary school teachers, teacher aides, and parents who are interested in a study of children's developmental patterns. The scope and sequencing of topics in the program are outlined, and the activities and resources involved are described. Ordering…