Provides an overview of the theoretical and technical components of covert positive reinforcement and reviews the experimental literature to ascertain the efficacy of CPR and to evaluate the operant basis for the technique. The empirical evidence confirmed the effectiveness of CPR in modifying analogue and clinical target behaviors, but challenged…

Three checklists to evaluate the effectiveness of advisory committees are provided. Checklist 1 monitors details of organizational structure and procedures, the second reviews interpersonal relations techniques, and the third rates the content of a management plan. (SK)

Two institutional treatment models--Intermediate Care Facilities and Foundation Care--were compared with 30 profoundly mentally retarded adults. The Foundation Care model (which emphasized habilitation through health, nurturance, stimulation, and play) demonstrated more resident-oriented management practices and used more tactile modalities and…

The Adaptive Behavior Scale was used to evaluate a three-level token economy designed to modify the behavior of 42 behaviorally disturbed young adults of borderline intelligence. Following treatment large improvements occurred in those areas that were logically related to target behaviors within the token economy. Gains were maintained at…

An ongoing multiple community drug abuse prevention project is used to illustrate the process of community-based programming. Program support, quality control, and accommodation of both program and research objectives are emphasized. (Author/MT)

The author presents considerations for business educators concerning recruitment of students for the business program. Several specific recruitment techniques are included. (CH)

This study compared instructional outcomes of two education programs about testicular cancer and testicular self-examination. Instruction facilitated by a former testicular cancer patient was compared to information provided by printed materials. There was no difference in information dissemination, but possible differences in attitude resulted.…

This article addresses one instance in which "a marriage" between commerce and education would be very appropriate. The author discusses the advantages of the print medium, and of the newspaper in particular, in education, and shows how this could be used very effectively in adult education. (Author/CT)

Describes the design of a tutorial lesson, the benefits of such a lesson, and the drawbacks of such a method. Suggestions for word processing teachers are listed, including requiring students to write their own "operating manual" and using tutorials as an introduction to word processing functions. (CT)

Based on social skills and operant behavioral perspectives, an Environment and Skills Model of smoking acquisition and prevention is proposed. This model involves an integrated examination of the antecedents, behaviors, and consequences of smoking. The importance of the "consequence end" of this three-term contingency is discussed. (Author/CT)

Nine elementary students with attention problems and behavior disorders participated in a comparison of computer assisted instruction (CAI), traditional instruction (TI), and no practice on the mastery of spelling words. Both CAI and TI were significantly more effective than no-practice. There were no significant differences between the CAI and TI…

Three hypothetical cases illustrating adoption of National Diffusion Network programs in adult basic education are used to identify problems that can occur when attempting program adoption or development of new programs. The importance of making the innovation one's own is stressed. (SK)

Communication using neurolinguistic programming (NLP) was examined by comparing message directness. The NLP made students more relaxed but no more positive in their attitudes. (Author)

The author argues that exercise may be a unique health behavior, leaving researchers with problems in understanding exercise compliance. New definitions, new methods, and broader perspectives are needed. Four theories of compliance are described, and problems of research methodology are discussed. (Author/MT)

Although appropriate rater behaviors are critical to the success of any performance appraisal system, raters frequently receive little or no training regarding how to carry out their role successfully. This article outlines the major elements that should be included in an effective rater training program. Suggested training approaches and the need…