This article reviews evidence from basic and translational research with pigeons and humans suggesting that the persistence of operant behavior depends on the contingency between stimuli and reinforcers, and considers some implications for clinical interventions. (Contains 4 figures.)

Based upon an MA thesis submitted to Boston College, and supported in part by grant HD 01798, U.S. Public Health Service.

Research supported in part by OE Project 5-0415.

Derived conditional discrimination was evaluated in 2 men with mental retardation whose language was limited to gestural requests. In each conditional-discrimination task, sample stimuli were arbitrary visual forms and comparison stimuli were black squares presented in 2 of the 4 corners of a computer screen. Subjects learned to select 1 position…

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)

The last installment of a series of three papers on operant techniques. (KW)

Reconciled are the current philosophy of normalization (providing patterns and conditions of everyday life) and the growth of behavior-shaping strategies as the bases of the institutional care and program of the severely mentally handicapped. (KW)

Compared was the trace and delay eyelid conditioning in 72 severely or profoundly retarded and 72 normal young adults. (CL)

Research supported by NICHHD grant HD-00870.

INTENDED FOR SPEECH THERAPISTS, THEACHERS OF THE MENTALLY RETARDED, AND OTHERS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION, THE COLLECTION CONTAINS REPORTS BY VARIOUS AUTHORS ON SPEECH AND LANGUAGE MODIFICATION ATTEMPTS THAT HAVE UTILIZED OPERANT CONDITIONING PROCEDURES, AS WELL AS SEVERAL PAPERS ON BACKGROUND TOPICS. BACKGROUND PAPERS ON TEACHING TREAT ENVIRONMENTAL…