Compared two behavioral treatments for marital discord with a nonspecific control and waiting-list control. Behavioral treatments combined problem-solving skills with contingency management procedures, differing only in contracting form, good faith contracts, and quid pro quo contracts. Both behavioral groups improved significantly more than…

Investigated behavioral programs for obesity. Exercise and self-managed contingency components were compared using obese subjects who were evaluated after treatment and follow-up. Significant weight loss was observed at termination. The influence of exercise at follow-up was noticeable. Subjects engaged in behaviors, yet behaviors were not related…

Evaluated short-term skill-training intervention that taught male alcoholics generation of appropriate behaviors in problematic situations. Verbal role-playing measures of responses to situations associated with drinking behavior and relapse showed significant performance improvement of training groups. Posttreatment follow-up indicated that skill…

This paper presents a scheme for classifying learning tasks, a scale built from that scheme, and data obtained from utilizing the scale with secondary students in various subject areas. (Author/SJL)

A four-step process for the development of a system for the management of classroom behavior is presented. (PHR)

University students worked puzzles and were given a high or low value cash award, contingent on simple task completion or on attainment of a performance level, or noncontingent and unexpected. Interest in the task after reward was analyzed. Results provided substantial support for Deci's cognitive evaluation theory. (Author/SJL)

The effects of group dependent and group interdependent reinforcement contingencies on the level of socially appropriate behaviors emitted by emotionally handicapped elementary school students were examined. Findings suggested that both group dependent and group interdependent reinforcement contingencies were effective in increasing the level of…

Academic and behavior management techniques for school and home use with behavior disordered children are described. Among school management techniques identified is the Personal Intervention Paper, a chart on which the student tracks his/her problem behavior and receives a reward for reduction of occurrence. Home management techniques included…

The role of sensory reinforcement was examined in programing multiple treatment gains in self-stimulation and spontaneous play for four developmentally disabled children (eight to ten years old). (Author/SBH)

A covert self-instructional program was used to reduce the frequency of a hospitalized chronic schizophrenic's inappropriate verbalizations. A marked reduction in the frequency of the target behavior accompanied the treatment intervention, and improved verbal behavior was directly responsible for the decision to discharge the subject from the…

A procedure for sampling questions from a universe for repetition of criterion performances is described. Academic and administrative benefits are also noted. Available from: Kenyon College, Gambier, Ohio 43022. (Author/LBH)

Available from: Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Child Study Center, 1100 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117.

Meta-analysis of 482 empirical studies on treatment of problem behaviors of individuals with mental retardation found that externally destructive behaviors are less successfully treated than socially disruptive and internally maladaptive behaviors. Also, response contingent procedures were significantly more effective than other procedures.…

Offers a six-step procedure for developing and implementing a response cost system for changing problem classroom behaviors of students with learning disabilities. Steps described are establishing classroom rules, rewarding compliance, selecting reinforcers, reducing noncompliance through response cost consequences, following through on…