Development of preference found to be related to frequency of association of rewards with a critical stimulus. This article is based on a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy from the Pennsylvania State University by the first author. (MH)

The present study attempted to elicit covert verbalization with a bit more assurance, as compared to Gagne and Smith, and to compare the effects of instructions to covertly verbalize with instructions to talk out loud while solving problems. (Author/MS)

Describes a system of further structuring the discrete trial format, an approach that draws on operant conditioning principles to present standardized and consistent learning trials. A flow chart of the Standard Trial Progression and Reinforcement Hierarchy is included, and data collection approaches are suggested. (CL)

Explores several aspects of behaviorism, including its contributions to current educational practice, its recent unpopularity, and challenges to behavioral researchers in the 1980s. Seventy-two references are appended. (Author/LLS)

The paper presents guidelines for training staff to implement positive reductive procedures to decrease undesirable behaviors of their retarded students and clients. Considerations relevant to all reductive procedures are briefly discussed in the first portion of the paper, while guidelines indigenous to positive reductive procedures are discussed…