The patterns of use of computer-based communication technologies in knowledge synthesis are described by looking at the way groups use the technology for efforts that have at least some qualities of knowledge synthesis. A chart of basic options for communication through computers is provided, showing the generic class of systems, examples of…

Presented is a detailed case study of an 8-year-old socially withdrawn girl with elective mutism. Reviewed are early developmental data, and described are the therapeutic processes involved in her treatment in a psychiatric facility, including speech therapy and individual play sessions. Theoretical considerations on the origin of her mutism are…

SELF-DESCRIPTIVE ESSAYS WRITTEN BY BUSINESS-SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO WERE SUBSEQUENTLY SUCCESSFUL (N=13) WERE COMPARED WITH THOSE WRITTEN BY STUDENTS UNSUCCESSFUL (N=11) IN ATTAINING PERSONAL CHANGE GOALS DURING SEMESTER-LONG, SELF-ANALYTIC GROUPS. A NEW METHOD FOR SELF-DIRECTED BEHAVIOR CHANGE WAS USED. CONTENT ANALYSIS COMPARISONS OF THE GROUPS…

THE CONCEPT OF DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM IS USED TO EXAMINE THE OCCURRENCE OF CHANGE IN A THERAPEUTIC INTERVIEW AND TO PROPOSE A THEORY OF THERAPY. BY ANALYZING THE WORKINGS OF THE PSYCHOSOCIAL SYSTEM THROUGH THE GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY, IT IS POSSIBLE TO SEE HOW CHANGE OCCURS IN AN INDIVIDUAL FAMILY OR COMMUNITY. APPLIED TO A FAMILY INTERVIEW, THE MODEL…

The changing role of the psychologist in an institution for handicapped children is discussed. Adaptation of tests, selection of instruments, and the importance of interview techniques are considered in a section on assessment. Programing aspects, including dealing with stereotyping behaviors and self abuse and helping teachers locate resources,…

Discussed are findings of a review of 21 research reports concerned with the use of environmental music with mentally retarded persons. It is explained that the literature in two data bases was searched and relevant reports examined. The reports are organized into general findings (seven reports), use of music in contingency management (nine…

In recent years there has been an increasing interest in the role of cognitive factors in behavior modification. In order both to nurture this development and influence the dialogue between semantic-cognitive therapists and behavior therapists, a newsletter was begun. The newsletter, which will appear annually, summarizes ongoing research projects…

This paper examines the problems in definition of punishment at the construct level, comparing the common use meaning of the term with a behavioral definition and contrasting two definitions used within the field of psychology. The paper discusses whether punishing stimuli must be physically painful, the appropriate use of painful stimuli, and…

A young child who has not been taught to obey the directives of his parents or his teachers is liable to suffer serious consequences in a sometimes hostile environment. Teacher organizations tend to support retention, or reinstitution, of the possibility of using corporal punishment as one means of correction or control. Ultimately, the case for…

This paper delineates models of drug abuse prevention education that have been indicated in the literature during the past six years, and discusses the research related to each. The nine models were considered according to: (1) basic premises, (2) positive and negative salient criticisms, and, (3) implications and modes of application for drug…

Two inpatients, one with a circumscribed phobia for dentists and dental offices and another who had been diagnosed as suffering from an anxiety neurosis, were treated with a flooding procedure. A simple flooding technique which dealt with only the symptom contingent cues was sufficient to change behavior in the former case, but for the relatively…

The research reported in this document was an attempt to replicate the study by Wish, Cautela, and Steffen, and to test the effects of covert reinforcement on overt behavior. The subjects were 50 college students who were presented the task of estimating the diameter of each circle in a series presented by slide projector. Pre- and post-treatment…