Assesses preschool children's preferences for eight snack foods and tests procedures to modify preferences for certain foods by having children sort foods according to self-determined categories. Enhanced preferences for target foods generalized to other foods in the same category only for children using semantic sorting categories. (Author/DB)

A behavior management simulation training system for special education teachers was carried out through microcomputers. Four software facets focused on the behavior game, feedback, computer assisted instruction, and computer guided implementation. (CL)

The study demonstrated the effectiveness of using a multielement design to identify functional reinforcers for a noncommunicating, low functioning, deaf blind boy (age 9). Results indicated that both social and tangible reinforcing consequences were effective in reducing incorrect responses; both types of consequences were more effective than…

Describes the method and procedures used and results of research into 72 students' participation in a psychology course emphasizing self-modification. Findings showed that students were able to produce significant changes as a result of course participation and application of self-control procedures. (CK)

A procedure involving the intermittent presentation of timeout, restraint, and blindfolding produced complete suppression of self-slapping in a profoundly retarded adolescent. A variable ratio two schedule of time-out and physical restraint contingencies was effective in reducing and maintaining a low level of self-abusive behavior. (Author)

A firm physical restraint procedure (physically holding the child from behind until all verbal and physical aggressions had ceased for 30 seconds) was effective in significantly reducing the aggressive responses of a 6-year-old severely emotionally disturbed male in a self-contained special education class. (Author/CL)

A sharp pinch on the back of the hand, contingent upon hand in mouth behavior, was found to be an economical and effective aversive stimulus in a program which successfully reduced compulsive hand in mouth behavior related to vomiting and rumination of a profoundly retarded adolescent over a 3-month period. (Author)

Reviews classroom behavior management studies to see if extrinsic rewards affect intrinsic reinforcement value of appropriate classroom behaviors. Conclusion indicates extrinsic rewards are useful. Teachers need not avoid the use of rewards in fear of undermining intrinsic interest. (LAB)

The view that behavior therapists are ethical relativists is challenged. Behavior therapists hold no philosophical positions that preclude justification of ethical principles, but they must be "ethical skeptics." In response, it is argued that there is no basis for ethical skepticism or for this philosophical defense of behavior therapy.…

The article presents the case study of an autistic 12-year-old boy who was taught to increase the quality and decrease the size of his written letters. (PHR)

The article focuses on research on improving creativity, including early efforts to enhance, operationalize, and define creativity. Studies dealing with behavioral management of creativity are discussed, as are those concerning the effects of self-statements and cognition. (CL)

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)

An empirically developed infant and preschool reinforcement survey was completed by 35 parents and 21 children. Test-retest coefficients were computed on these data after a one-week interval. The development of the survey, as well as its usefulness for school psychologists, is described. Survey is appended. (Author)

Examined the effectiveness of a response cost treatment package for improving the classroom behavior of four aggressive preschoolers. Teachers removed smiley faces and reprimanded children contingent on aggressive behavior. Results indicate that this method substantially decreased aggressive behavior and was a highly acceptable classroom treatment…

Process and outcome of a smoking cessation program using behavior therapy along (BT) or behavior therapy plus the nicotine patch (BTP) was studied in 64 participants. Abstinence was significantly higher for the BTP group from the end of behavioral treatment (79% vs. 63%) through the three-month follow-up, with the effects weakening at the six- and…