This article discusses the differences between nomothetic and ideographic approaches to assessment, suggests that neither model is complete in itself, and presents some principles for making single subject investigations more reliable and valid. (Author)

Comments on article by Ray E. Hosford in same issue. (Author/CJ)

Presents five principles which yield predictions about deterrence of illegal acts by the use of negative sanctions in the form of testable hypotheses, including intensity, temporal proximity, availability of reward, schedule of delivery, and availability of alternative behaviors. Suggests application of any principle of punishment is premature…

The relationship between cognitive strategy and theoretical constructs associated with cognitive style, cognitive behavior modification, and metacognition, particularly regarding the education of learning disabled students, is examined. Future research directions, including the relationship between a tactual repertoire and metacognitive status,…

Described is a milieu teaching approach to language development of young handicapped children. The method involves prompting and contingent delivery of reinforcers during normal language interactions in such classroom settings as free play, lunch, or instructional periods. (MC)

The Institute at Virginia has focused its efforts on learning disability (LD) children with attentional problems with emphasis on cognitive behavior modification techniques. Studies included investigations of metacognition, information processing, self-recording of task-related behavior, and strategy training. Adult-child interactions and…

Six overweight female mentally retarded adolescents and adults were in a behavioral weight-reduction program which involved instructiog mothers in seven group meetings and Ss themselves in six group meetings. Results showed that treatment group members lost significantly more weight than did control group members according to all three dependent…

The case report describes the speech and language charactersitics of a five-year-old girl with Prader-Willi syndrome, a congential disorder (characterized by mental retardation and specific physical characteristics), and the language therapy procedures used over a 10-month period. (Author/SW)

A comparison of the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and response cost in reducing the offtask behavior of two boys (7 and 8 years old) with attentional deficit disorders and hyperactivity revealed that response cost (with free time as the reinforcer) was superior to Ritalin in increasing ontask behavior and improving academic performance.…

Two studies evaluated the use of protective equipment in treating self injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by three retarded adolescents. Results suggested that contingent protective equipment and differential reinforcement may be effective in reducing chronic self injury. (Author)

Eleven studies of behavioral treatment approaches used to intervene with abusive parents are reviewed and compared according to methodology, results, and weaknesses (such as poor definitions, lack of outcome data, and need for long term followup). (CL)

Describes an experiment to determine if college students could be stimulated to undertake additional self-modification projects after completing similar projects in personal adjustment courses. Student responses to questionnaires indicated that experimental group students, who were required to submit plans for additional projects, were more likely…

Compared the efficiency of cognitive-behavioral therapy, emphasizing self-instruction and attention-focusing techniques, with behavior rehearsal and with a waiting-list control in the treatment of debilitating musical-performance anxiety. Multivariate analyses indicated that both the cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavior-rehearsal programs…

Argues that the one portion of behavior modification that educators least understand is negative reinforcement. Discusses the advantages of this technique. (FL)