This study tested the effects of post-session wheel running on within-session changes in operant responding. Lever-pressing by six rats was reinforced by a food pellet under a continuous reinforcement (CRF) schedule in 30-min sessions. Two different flavored food pellets were used as reinforcers. In the wheel conditions, 30-min operant-sessions…

Two studies were done in which the subjects applied punishment contingencies to themselves for smoking cigarettes. After Baseline in Experiment I, the subject set a limit of 15 cigarettes for himself. If he exceeded the level, he was to tear a dollar bill into pieces for every additional cigarette he smoked. Every five days the criterion was…

Academic psychology and education are too much theoretically and methodologically committed; they need "field commitment"--an orientation which allows the people who are working with problem children or adults to use any technique, any tools at their disposal that will enable them to perform most proficiently in a given situation. Until people…

The use of gaze shifts as social cues has various evolutionary advantages. To investigate the developmental processes of this ability, we conducted an object-choice task by using longitudinal methods with infant chimpanzees tested from 8 months old until 3 years old. The experimenter used one of six gestures towards a cup concealing food; tapping,…

Self-recording of behavior in behavior modification appears to be reactive, with the phenomenon having two components: actual changes in behavior as a function of self-recording and possible unreliability of self-observers. The present study was undertaken to differentially examine the reactivity and reliability of self-observations. (Author)

Emerging approaches for dealing with inappropriate behaviors of the disabled involve conducting a functional or structural behavior analysis to isolate the factors responsible for the aberrant behavior and implementing corrective procedures (often alternatives to punishment) relevant to the function of the inappropriate behavior. (Author/DB)

Research supported in part by the National Institute of Mental Health. Reprints from Kenneth Heller, Dept. of Psychology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind.

This paper considers five empirical and theoretical issues which have arisen from a comparison of behavioral analyses in controlled laboratory settings and similar analyses in naturalistic human environments. (Editor)

Heterosexually balanced groups were exposed to encounter-group tapes instructing them to share initmate experiences. Examples of high self-disclosure and openness were presented. Exercises differed only in instructions and accompanying behavioral examples. Results indicated that higher levels of disclosure produced greater group cohesiveness on…

This paper comments on the controversy surrounding the use of gentle teaching and applied behavior analysis. Strengths of gentle teaching are noted, such as its wide focus and emphasis on mutual change between client and caregiver. Behavioral interpretations are offered for behavior change reported in the use of gentle teaching procedures. (JDD)

Behavioral contrast can be defined as an inverse relationship between the conditions of reinforcement in one setting and the rate of responding in another setting. Behavioral contrast is a phenomenon that is reliably demonstrated in pigeons and rats and in the context of multiple experimental preparations with these animals. However, little…

Two black psychologists and a white educator explain why the black community should be concerned with and actively involved in behavior modification practices. Alternatives are offered for increasing the number of black professionals in the field of behavior modification to help preserve the integrity of the black community. (Author)