The results indicate that reinforcement can be effective in increasing the number of questions superior students ask during information seeking interviews. Thus, the use of verbal reinforcement by counselors is an effective means of encouraging high achieving students to seek information relevant to their educational and vocational planning.…

Comments on article by Ray E. Hosford in same issue. Presents several brief case accounts to indicate that behaviorists' explanations of techniques often do not do justice to their practice, suggesting advisability of doing as behaviorists do, not as they say. (Author/CJ)

A creative writing program using a token reinforcement approach for six 10- to 12-year-old students with learning and behavior problems resulted in increased output of written words, reduced spelling errors, and improved composition quality. (CL)

A contingency-based lottery system was implemented to improve the classroom behavior of 18 learning disabled and educable mentally handicapped students, aged 13 to 16 years. Results indicated substantial increases in times students remained in assigned areas, and numbers of students prepared for class; and marked reduction in nonauthorized…

Inadequacies of the basic literature on punishment may limit its application in public school settings with mildly and moderately handicapped students. A large research void exists concerning such basic issues as how the timing, scheduling, type, and intensity of punishment affects children's behaviors in applied settings. (SEW)

Extensive empirical evidence exists to support the efficacy and utility of parent-mediated alternative procedures in behavior modification for handicapped and normal children with academic, social, and behavioral difficulties. Specific and general reservations are reviewed with considerations for the prescription and implementation of programs;…

The paper reviews the origins and applications of cognitive behavior modification (CBM), an approach involving exceptional students in their own behavior change. Contributions to CBM are traced from behavior modification, cognitive psychology, and instructional theory and research. Applications (training self-instruction and problem solving) are…

Refutes R. Douglas Greer's contentions that behavior analysis is the best avenue for improving teaching and learning effectiveness. Maintains that, despite its success in the laboratory, behaviorism has limited application to the study of instruction in today's schools. (Author/MJL)

Institutional staff used behavior modification and reality therapy to bring about positive behavioral changes in 20 severely retarded, emotionally disturbed adolescents as measured on two adaptive behavior scales. (Author)

Compares the ways in which behavioral and family systems theories conceptualize family problems and explains maintenance and change processes within the family system. Systems and behavioral theories share functional views of problem behaviors and interactive sequences. Discusses areas of potential integration of the two perspectives. (Author)

Assessed the relative effects of contracted abstinence and a class in alcoholism on college students' attitudes and behavior toward alcohol use. The alcohol class was effective in modifying self-reported drinking behavior,while contracted abstinence was an effective tool when used in the context of an alcohol class. (Author)

Presents a conceptual framework of the field of substance abuse treatment. Discusses the nature and characteristics of the legal, medical, traditional, and emergent models of substance abuse treatment. Notes implications for counselors. (Author/RC)

Studied the use of a social learning approach to reduce the unpopularity of an 11-year-old girl. Used a multiple baseline design to successively implement reinforcement contingencies on each class of social skill. Substantial improvements in performance were noted. Sociometric ratings of popularity by others improved after intervention. (Author/RC)

Evaluated strategies for enhancing treatment maintenance: behavior problem solving and faded counselor contact. Volunteer college students concerned about academic underachievement participated. Results indicated training in problem solving was effective treatment maintenance strategy, while brief fading procedure was not. Treatment effects may…

The authors advocate the adoption, in Michigan and elsewhere, of the recognized specialist, Certified Behavior Therapist. (DB)