Brief experimental analysis (BEA) is a useful tool for quickly evaluating intervention strategies for individuals with academic deficits and minor behavior problems. However, there is a lack of research investigating BEA for intervention strategies with individuals who emit severe problem behavior to avoid academic demands. For the current study,…

A continuous reinforcement, delayed classical eyelid-conditioning paradigm in combination with the peripheral vasomotor response of digital vasoconstriction was employed to examine the hypothesized attention deficit for 10 15-year-old educable mentally retarded and same-age nonretarded Ss. (Author/MC)

This study investigated the effects of between-trials variability on the alternation discrimination of retardates. Brightness and size were variable between trials and irrelevant. Initial response outcome and mental age were also independent variables. Neither between-trials variability nor mental age produced a significant main effect, while the…

Examined was the effect of operant-conditioning on the pica behavior (eating inedible substances) of a 14-year-old severely retarded institutionalized boy. (CL)

To study improvement of visual monitoring of retardates, specialized training methods backed up by incentives were used. The extent to which these training techniques might be expected to produce results which would generalize was explored. Subjects were eight female mental retardates (ages 15-22) with IQs from 38 to 69. (Author/SJL)

The literature on fears and phobias of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities is reviewed. Assessment procedures are then examined, including interviews, self-reports, parent rating scales, and behavioral observations. Interventions are drawn from the principles of respondent, operant, and vicarious conditioning. (Author/DB)

The combined effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and a token reinforcement program in controlling the classroom behavior of 16 hyperactive, institutionalized retarded youngsters (9- to 15-years-old) was investigated. (Author)