As in studies of self-control, a tit-for-tat contingency in an iterated prisoner's dilemma game creates a conflict between maximization of local and global reinforcement. The present experiments examine this conflict in a multiplayer prisoner's dilemma game. Versus tit for tat, cooperation corresponds to self-control; defection, always immediately…

Research has focused on increasing the treatment integrity of school-based interventions by utilizing performance feedback. The purpose of this study was to extend this literature by increasing special education teachers' treatment integrity for implementing antecedent and consequence procedures in an ongoing behavior support plan. A multiple…

Token economies often reduce problematic classroom behavior in preschool settings. In the present study, direct observation and teacher ratings of child behavior and treatment acceptability were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of a token economy in a Head Start classroom. Because many teachers express concerns about the effort required to…

Evaluated the effectiveness of juvenile drug court for 161 juvenile offenders meeting diagnostic criteria for substance abuse or dependence and determined whether the integration of evidence-based practices enhanced the outcomes of juvenile drug court. Over a 1-year period, a four-condition randomized design evaluated outcomes for family court…

With their origins in scientific validation, behavior-analytic applications have understandably been developed with an engineering rather than a crafting orientation. Nevertheless, traditions of craftsmanship can be instructive for devising aesthetically pleasing arrangements--arrangements that people will try, and having tried, will choose to…

Baron and Galizio (2005) reviewed and updated Michael's (1975) observations concerning the problems surrounding the distinction between positive and negative reinforcement. In the end they concluded that the valence is unjustified. However, despite the fact that the logical and empirical underpinnings of the distinction have been questioned for…

We describe a training program to teach applied behavior analysis (ABA) knowledge competencies to paraprofessional staff (N = 47) at a habilitation services agency for adults with developmental disabilities. Before and following training, staff completed assessment of knowledge tests for three content areas: basic learning principles,…

The Positive Education Program (PEP) in Cuyahoga, Ohio, incorporates a token economy and group process approach into the daily school routine for emotionally disturbed and behaviorally handicapped students. At elementary and secondary levels, minimum rules and expectations as well as privileges awarded for behaviors are clearly set forth. The…

Twelve papers by Iowa school psychologists reflect the profession's focus on assessment and intervention. The following titles and authors are presented: "What to Do When the Whole Swim Team Is Referred" (S. DeKrey); "An Alternative Technique for Reducing a Self-Injurious Behavior in a Profoundly Retarded Male Child" (G. Robinson); "Severe…

In Study one, the effect on stuttering frequency of contingent monetary gain and contingent monetary loss resulted in decreased stuttering. In Study two, monetary gain and loss was made contingent on units of fluent speech. Fluency increased for the group during monetary gain, but monetary loss did not decrease fluency. (Author)

Reviews research literature on the symptomatology, etiology, performanceand behavioral management (drug and behavior modification treatments) of hyperactive children with normal intelligence. Proposes procedure for evaluating treatment effects in natural settings. (ED)

The noncompliant behavior of a severely multihandicapped 6-year-old boy was modified through an antecedent manipulation. Responding to teacher requests within 5 seconds was measured under three conditions: decreased commands, increased commands, and unconditional commands with contingent consequation. A multielement design employed across…

Described is the parent training component of the Severe Personal Adjustment Program for severely emotionally disturbed school-aged children. Among program objectives listed are the following: pinpoint and define behavior (operationally), evaluate situations and environments in which the behavior occurs, specify contingencies presently operating,…

Contingency contracting has been demonstrated to be an effective procedure for achieving weight loss. A problem with this type of contract is that the S may have to permanently forfeit an item for a failure to lose weight when in fact his/her eating behavior has been appropriate. The following procedure was developed to overcome this problem. A…