To the extent that applied behavior analysis represents a scientific and practical approach to the study of behavior, its technological character is essential. The most serious problem evident in the field is not that the research being done is too technical but that more good research of all types is needed. (JDD)

The claim that applied behavior analysis is overly technological is refuted, arguing that instead there is a lack of understanding of how technologies proficiently evolve. The solution lies in integrating basic and applied research sectors and coordinating efforts toward specific goals that are defined and valued by the culture. (JDD)

The field of applied behavior analysis is not overly technological but emphasizes technology in some areas, such as research procedures, and not others, such as adoption of intervention programs. Efforts are often focused on program implementation, with little attention to the preparation needed to implement or to leave an effective program in…

Compared low-birthweight infants who participated in an intervention involving educational and family support services during the first three years of life with low-birthweight infants who received pediatric follow-up. Intervention group infants scored higher on cognitive tests and lower on measures of behavior problems at 24 and 36 months than…

Toddlers may bite as a reaction to being forced to be part of a group. Toddlers communicate in a physical manner but do not always connect the social consequences with their actions. By analyzing the circumstances surrounding a biting incident, teachers can redirect the child's energy and avoid a situation where biting might occur. (PAM)

Discusses one teacher's experiences with Kimmie, a Chinese-American first grader with violent tendencies, and how this young girl changed and became manageable, largely through writing and storytelling. Argues that writing may be a means of expression essential to troubled children like Kimmie. (HB)

This paper suggests that the management strategies of posting classroom rules, classroom arrangement, teacher movement in the classroom, and external reinforcement systems may more likely be used as setting events to enhance the effects of teacher coercion rather than as potential setting events to enhance positive reciprocal interactions.…

Questions to ask when a behavior modification program is not working address the classroom environment, time factors, importance of emphasizing the positive, appropriate reinforcers, time lag before receiving reinforcement, criteria for reinforcement, reinforcer satiation, schedules of reinforcement, shaping to reduce inappropriate behaviors, and…

Examined links between parents' depression, marital quality, and parenting style, and their preschool and early adolescent children's angry, defiant, and acting-out behaviors. Parents' depression was related to the quality of their marital relationship and their parenting style, but not their children's behavior. (BC)

This study examined effect of initial differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) intervals on disruptive behavior of nine students with moderate disabilities. Results indicate initial DRO value equal to the mean number of intervals between responses in baseline was much more effective than a value twice that size. (Author/PB)

Mothers' reports of toddlers' behavior were used to determine groupings and the sequence of behaviors associated with self-concept development. The following sequence was determined: (1) physical self-recognition; (2) neutral and evaluative self-description; and (3) emotional responses to wrongdoing. (BC)

Discusses a longitudinal study of changes in student misconduct cases and institutional response over 10 years, comparing the results of 2 identical national surveys. Concludes far more alcohol-related cases are reported today than previously. (Author/ABL)

Comparison of handicapped junior high school students (N=11) mainstreamed in low achieving classes with their nonhandicapped classmates found significant differences in the observed behaviors of discussion and not paying attention but no differences in teacher ratings of classroom behavior or report card grades. (Author/DB)

Describes creative ways for teachers to handle difficult classroom discipline situations, focusing on how to deal with defiant disruptives, noncombatant noncompliers, and incessant interrupters. The article discusses potentially difficult situations and explains how best to handle them in a positive manner. (SM)

Examined relationship between social behavior and self-concept among 41 fifth and sixth graders. Teachers rated students on School Social Behavior Scales (SSBS); students completed Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC). Found several significant positive relationships between Social Competence scores on SSBS and SPPC self-concept scores.…