The notion of differentially reinforcing low rates of undesirable behavior (DRL) is examined. Further, the status of the full session DRL strategy as alternative to punishment is questioned in context of a strictly operant definition of punishment. A reexamination of the data from some studies reveals the possibility that Ss respond to said DRL…

According to a survey of all 50 state commissioners or superintendents of education, 40 states authorize school corporal punishment by law. Only two states (Massachusetts and New Jersey) neither legally authorize nor administer corporal punishment. (Author/IRT)

Reviews the decision in Ingraham v. Wright that corporal punishment in the schools is not a federal issue and notes that this finding will not stop public debate at the state level. (IRT)

Exactly 100 of the 360 teachers responding to a questionnaire on disciplinary tactics opposed the use of corporal punishment in all instances of student misbehavior. (Author/IRT)

R. Epstein criticizes an article by P. Balsam and A. Bondy which urged caution in the use of reinforcement techniques. Epstein cites logic problems and notes the complexity of interventions. Balsam and Bondy respond and restate their basic argument. (CL)

The paper examines common myths about corporal punishment (e.g., that it builds character), discusses potential problems from its use (such as loss of self-esteem and development of counterproductive behavior), and describes three positive approaches to discipline (behavior modification, social learning, and communication skills training).…

The relative effectiveness of reward and punishment on the development of response inhibition was evaluated developmentally with kindergarteners and second graders. Removal of positive reinforcers was apparently more effective than reward in producing inhibiting at both age levels. Transfer of inhibition training was also evaluated. (DP)

Social isolation, or time-out, was found to be an effective means of punishment for emotionally disturbed children. (ST)

D. Smith replies to L. Polsgrove's criticisms of Smith's earlier article (EC 133 830) on seclusionary timeout for children with emotional/behavioral problems. Smith suggests that in several studies timeout was seen by the children as a way of relieving the classroom's stimulus overload. (CL)

When an oral hygiene punishment procedure was introduced, rumination (regurgitation) of profoundly retarded monozygous adolescent twins was dramatically reduced. The decrease was maintained over a 6 month period and was accompanied by increased rates of socially appropriate behavior. (CL)

An editorial against the brutality of corporal punishment. (SJL)

Television programs were analyzed for frequencies of positive reinforcement and punishment exchanged among performers varying in age and sex. Females were found to more often exhibit and receive reinforcement, whereas males more often exhibited and received punishment. These findings have implications for children's learning of positive and…

This article reviews the literature advocating or opposing a universal ban on capital punishment for people diagnosed with mental retardation and also offers the author's own views. It is argued that the realities of the American legal and penal systems require such a ban until each case can be examined thoroughly by individuals well informed…

Offers school administrators 10 rationales for explaining student suspensions to inquiring parents. Suspension is a way to punish parents or call an "enforced parent conference" to enlist their support. Ideally, suspension creates an opportunity for positive home/school partnerships. (MLH)