Discusses the four basic objectives for measuring participants' reactions to preretirement programs: (1) needs assessment; (2) personal learning; (3) application and behavior change; and (4) program evaluation. Indicates a need for further research in analyzing outcomes of programs and in identifying ways programs benefit sponsoring organizations.…

Outlines the behavior, the human relations, and the pedagogical models of disciplinary practices that can serve as alternatives to punishment. Argues that increased, societywide efforts to find and implement alternatives to punishment are called for. (IRT)

Lists advantages and disadvantages of the token economy system as a behavior control tactic. Discusses ethical issues relating to the use of behavior modification techniques in the classroom. (SK)

Autogenic feedback training was an effective adjunct to a smoking termination program. An 81 percent reduction in smoking activity was found for the subjects who received the training. Achieving relaxation and reducing anxiety through autogenic feedback training helped subjects restore their self-confidence and deal with stress. (Author)

Examines research dealing with learning processes and suggests its applications to compliance gaining. Discusses the degree to which learning theories explain the acquisition of new attitudes and behaviors, and the degree to which attitudinal and behavioral changes are governed by learning theory principles. (JMF)

Proposed a procedure for extending the external validity of analogue research. Hill, Tanney, Leonard, and Reiss's analogue investigation of counselor reactions to female clients was partially replicated using parallel measures obtained in a naturalistic counseling setting. Results bode well for the procedure of translating analogue variables into…

Examines the longitudinal relationship between internal-external locus of control and adjustment using independent measures within two dissimilar treatment environments: a traditional ward and a token economy ward. Subjects were 65 female psychiatric inpatients. (CM)

A 13-year-old learning-disabled subject received a daily amount of trading stamps contingent on school attendance. Results showed a significant decrease in truancy from three to four days per week to less than one. A reversal design indicated that truancy could be controlled by the contingency procedure. (Author/GDC)

A project is described that provides activities which allow children to learn about their physical health by using themselves as experimental subjects. (JD)

Comparison of pre- and postevaluation of Ss' inappropriate classroom behaviors and level of muscle relaxation showed that inappropriate behavior was reduced on the average by more than 50 percent in four of the five Ss, and that muscle tension was significantly reduced. (Author/DLS)

Explores social changes which may account for changes in the type and prevalence of humor in French society. (AM)

The study tested the hypothesis that in 11 hyperactive children (7 to 13 years old) a low dose of methylphenidate would produce scores superior to those with a high dose or placebo on the matching familiar figures test (MFF), a primary index of impulsivity. Journal availability: American Academy of Pediatrics, P.O. Box 1034, Evanston, IL 60204.…

Asserting that teacher attention is often overlooked as a positive intervention strategy, this article presents a general overview of teacher attention and its effectiveness in changing behavior. Practical suggestions for effective teacher approval are described, as is a principle called "pairing" which may be used for social reinforcement. (JC)

Teachers should think in terms of preventing discipline problems by carefully analyzing their own behavioral expectations, treating children in an adult-like manner, and being thoroughly organized for instruction. (JC)

Although aversive therapeutic approaches can be very effective in eliminating undesirable behavior, many clients do not commit themselves to participating in an activity which is subjectively very unpleasant. The addition of a positive reinforcement system whereby the client is rewarded for engaging in aversive therapy is proposed. (Author)