A critique of the behavior modification technique of overcorrection, used primarily with mentally handicapped individuals to reduce undesirable forms of behavior, is presented. (BD)

The relation between the rate of a response ("B") and the rate of its reinforcement ("R") is well known to be approximately hyperbolic: B = kR/(R + R[subscript o]), where k represents the maximum response rate, and R[subscript o] indicates the rate of reinforcers that will engender a response rate equal to half its maximum value. A review of data…

Based on the assumption that inferential statistics can make the operant conditioner more sensitive to possible significant relationships, regressions models were developed to test the statistical significance between slopes and Y intercepts of the experimental and control group subjects. These results were then compared to the traditional operant…

An attempt was made to determine whether a behaviorally oriented conditioning approach, "covert sensitization," is more effective in the treatment of alcoholism than the commonly used problem-solving approach; and whether female counselors employing covert sensitization are more successful than males. Appropriate statistical analysis of…

Until recently, the use of contingency contracting has been largely an issue of theory and discussion with little experimental research evidence gathered to support efficacy. Two major reasons for this problem are suggested and discussed: (1) the concept of contingency contracting has not been adequately defined nor its minimal requirements…

Two new variations of overcorrection (a behavior modification technique) in the treatment of the self-injurious behaviors (cigarette-butt-eating and hair pulling) of a 57-year-old profoundly mentally handicapped woman are discussed. (BD)

Videotapes from a behavior modification training program for five ward attendants in an institution for the mentally handicapped show these personnel tend to depend too much on verbal prompts and physical guidance. (JG)

The basis of modern learning theory is questioned in view of Popper's philosophy and the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system. (Editor)

A laboratory study analyzed differences in media violence when consequences of that violence to the victim are shown and not shown. (Author)