The enthusiasm of student teachers can develop into mature dedication if their interest is challenged, good examples of the art of teaching are upheld, pride in their skills is encouraged, and they see their work as a valuable contribution to the world. (JD)

Contends that ultimate control of behavior does not yet rest with individual and that learning theory may have to turn outward toward society before it can turn inward toward individual. (DS)

Implications of the findings for the programming of institutions for the retarded are discussed. (Authors)

Discusses a contingency management program in an inner-city elementary school, whose basic core is a structured system of language learning packages providing guidance for the direct teaching of oral language, integrating reading and writing activities, and correlating language learning with other academic instruction. (VJ)

Provides a conceptual framework for discussing the role of alcohol in a person's life and for planning appropriate interventions when abuse is evidenced. Discusses drive reduction and the dynamic of alcohol involvement through four involvement stages. (Author/RC)

Available from: Journal of Pediatric Psychology, Child Study Center, 1100 N.E. 13th Street, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73117. The author reviews literature supporting the conclusion that IQ tests are of prognostic value with autistic children and recommends several behavioral techniques, such as positive reinforcement and ignoring interfering…

Three experiments were performed to study the relationship between reinforcer quality and behavioral momentum by varying reinforcer quality in two applied experiments and a basic laboratory experiment with rats. A study of two adolescent boys with mental retardation showed that compliance increasing effects could be improved by reinforcing…

Three forms of auditory stimulation were compared as reinforcers with 13 severely mentally retarded adults performing a task to promote cardiovascular fitness. Subjects received stimulation if they pedalled at a specified rate above baseline performance. Results indicated that music was an effective reinforcer in promoting continuous work output,…

Describes a classroom demonstration using differential reinforcement to shape student participation in a small psychology laboratory. Concludes that the technique was useful for illustrating how reinforcers shape behavior. Suggests that the demonstration facilitated understanding of operant conditioning procedures and encouraged more equitable…

This replication study found that only 16 of 55 raters agreed on the category of reinforcement maintaining a disabled individual's self-injurious behavior after using the Motivation Assessment Scale. Additionally, only 15 percent of the correlation coefficients obtained were above 80 percent, and none of the reliability scores was above 80…

This study compared the addition of two self-management strategies to typical supervision to improve productivity of eight mentally retarded workers in a sheltered workshop. Both strategies--(1) self monitoring plus goal setting and social contingencies and (2) addition of a monetary bonus for productivity--were equally effective in improving…