The article points out that the label "cognitive" has been used to designate five substantially different approaches to learning disabilities: information processing, metacognition, genetic epistemology, cognitive behavior modification, and the specific-abilities model. Despite the similar label, the instructional interventions of these approaches…

Thirty-two studies, involving 47 discrete experiments, are reviewed on the application of overcorrection to management of self-injurious behavior in intellectually handicapped individuals. The literature supports short-term efficacy of overcorrection. Reservations include the intrusive and restrictive nature of the technique and limited data on…

Discusses a study to evaluate the impact of a training program in mainstreaming on student-teacher classroom management styles and mainstreamed pupil behavior. Reveals that mainstreamed pupils in control classrooms displayed significantly less appropriate learning behaviors than did their experimental classroom peers. (RAE)

Illustrates the use of a student-managed response-cost system using free tokens to modify the on-task behavior of 2 mainstreamed students--an emotionally disturbed fourth grader and a learning-disabled sixth grader. Subjects' on-task behavior as well as their academic performance improved after the program. (SKC)

Time-out as a method of managing pupil behavior is explained. A definition and historical and philosophical perspectives are offered. The method has been used in Victoria (Australia), the United States, and Great Britain. Also considered are legal responsibilities, a time-out continuum, implementation, positive aspects of time out, and abuse and…

Assigned college women with a significant level of body-image dissatisfaction to a cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) program or to a waiting-list control group. The CBT program successfully improved affective body image, weakened maladaptive body-image cognitions, and enhanced social self-esteem and feelings about physical fitness and…

A device used to prevent drivers from falling asleep dramatically reduced stereotypic rocking in a 21-year-old blind student in a residential school. His rocking had been a chief obstacle to employment and acceptance into mainstream society. Follow-up data indicated maintenance of the low level of rocking and positive social changes. (Author/VW)

The effects of a combined neuromotor/behavioral approach using a microcomputer mediated teaching system on the acquisition of basic motor skills by two young children (17- and 24-months-old) with severe and multiple disabilities were examined. Increased frequency and duration of target behaviors in both training and generalizing settings were…

The Dynamic Criterion-Referenced Vocational (DCRV) Assessment model is presented as a technique for measuring a handicapped learner's potential for modifying behaviors relevant to employability. The article describes the DCRV's purpose and provides an example of its application through task analysis, observation of student performance, and rate of…

The article discusses areas of behavioral gerontology that would profit from additional research, such as self-management, community caregiver training, and geriatric behavioral pharmacology. Considerations for adapting behavioral procedures for the elderly are discussed, and suggestions for expanding the role of behavior analysis in geriatric…

Two male stroke victims (ages 63 and 67) whose verbal disorders impaired social interactions and suggested the need for nursing home placement were treated by teaching spouses to reinforce positive and ignore undesired verbal responses. Problem behaviors were reduced sufficiently to permit continued home care, and alternative positive behaviors…

Use of primarily reinforcement-based behavioral procedures decreased aggressive pinching in a 10-year-old severely retarded female to near-zero levels. Procedures included differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO), DRO plus timeout, DRO plus response prevention, and differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior. Results were…

The authors state that heterogeneity of the work force involves two issues.: (1) the employability of the work force in terms of skills available and (2) the ability to overcome barriers to work access. (CT)

The nature of emotion in mentally retarded people is considered. Recent research and theory suggest that two approaches are applicable to the study of mental retardation: the behavioral tradition, particularly conditioned emotional responding as well as emotional expression and recognition; and recent investigations of emotional development in…

The study compared four methods of increasing quantity and quality of play interactions between nonhandicapped and 11 moderately/severely handicapped children in an integrated preschool. Results of contingent reinforcement, reinforcement plus modeling, reinforcement plus behavior management, and reinforcement plus modeling plus behavior management…