The engineering technique of motion study was evaluated as a means to identify efficient movements and improve the productivity rates for three severely retarded adults performing a mailing task. After receiving training on the most efficient movements, subjects improved production rates and maintained the improved rates. (DB)

Two rule-based (truncation and contraction) abbreviation expansion encoding methods and 1 non-rule-based (random) method were evaluated for learning curve and retrieval speed with 66 adults. The truncation method resulted in faster retrieval than the other two methods. Results have implications for training users of augmentative communication…

Identifies seven general areas of competence in the field of training technology derived from a model of training as communication. The role of trainer versus that of institutional instructor is compared; preparation of trainers is discussed; and occupational analysis is described, with emphasis on developing a curriculum (DACUM). (6 references)…

Six profoundly retarded institutionalized adolescents were taught two tasks of comparable difficulty using different prompting procedures (either an antecedent or consequent procedure). Results showed greater gains were made with the antecedent prompting procedure. (Author/DB)

Proposes an instructional design model which bridges the gap between the cognitive psychology and instructional design field. The model predicts when learning of task components will occur and suggests which components of a task should receive training. The proposed decomposition model guides task analysis when designing instruction of…

Describes the Pedagogical mode of instruction developed for the U.S. Army's Videodisc Interpersonal Skills Training and Assessment project, which utilizes standardized role playing simulation with immediate feedback after each decision point to teach leadership and counseling skills. Instructional features unique to interpersonal skills training…

The study with three blind and mentally retarded adults with additional disabilities found that general case simulation instruction in housekeeping skills led to generalization to untrained settings. Degree of generalization was inversely related to the severity and complexity of participant disability. (Author/DB)

Four methods for response prompting and fading are reviewed: increasing assistance, decreasing assistance, graduated guidance, and time delay. Comparative investigations involving these methods are discussed, and recommendations for practitioners and for future research are included. (Author/JDD)

The study identified eight environmental stimuli present during the training of two moderately retarded students (ages six and nine). Results demonstrated that by altering one stimulus at a time, correct responding continued. Implications of the findings for stimulus control and generalization training are discussed. (Author/DB)

Two experiments with five individuals having severe mental retardation identified some problems and limits in training reversals of previously learned discrimination tasks using stimulus control shaping methodology. (DB)

Using an ABAB design, two procedures for requesting a change of activity were compared for their effect on the stereotypic behavior of a man with autism. One procedure requested immediate change of activities, whereas the second procedure gave advance notice of a change. Less stereotypy occurred when advance notice of change was given. (Author/DB)

Two experiments, involving a total of 126 subjects with mental retardation (mental age from 5-11 years), found that subjects were less likely than controls to employ the "difference rule" (communicate to the listener how a referent is different from other stimuli) and that perceptual feedback training enhances referential communication…

Glossometry, a method of providing visual feedback of tongue positions, was used to teach four vowel sounds to six profoundly hearing-impaired children. After 15 to 20 50-minute training sessions, all subjects showed greater diversification of tongue postures for the vowels. Listener identifications were also generally better after therapy.…

Two experiments with 15 individuals having profound mental retardation found difficulties in identifying reinforcers that were actually effective in treatment of chronic training needs. Research needs in evaluating training alternatives for people with profound multiple disabilities who move very little or who respond with very long latencies are…

The problem of teaching relational discriminations to people with mental retardation is examined. The limitations of several commonly used teaching procedures are discussed and alternative approaches to simple-discrimination learning are described. Results of two preliminary single-subject studies demonstrating the feasibility of these approaches…