6 – Overcorrection: A Review and Analysis

This paper reviews the overcorrection literature with a focus on the subject populations, dependent variables, procedural variations and research methodology reflected in overcorrection research. It analyzes overcorrection in terms of its punishment characteristics, and based on this, offers suggestions for the effective use of overcorrection. It raises issues regarding generalization and maintenance and the lack of data supporting claims for an educative value of overcorrection. We conclude that overcorrection can be an effective response suppressing procedure with greater social acceptability than other forms of punishment, but that the staff time involved in its use constitutes a possible drawback. We suggest the need for analytic research to identify overcorrection’s critical components and minimal effective duration. Finally, we offer a suggestion for the use of more descriptive and precise terminology with respect to overcorrection procedures.

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Overcorrection: A review and critical analysis.

A short overcorrection procedure involving appropriate play with target toys was used to consequate the stereotypic manipulation of objects by an autistic child in a free play situation. The effects of this procedure on both stereotypic behavior and appropriate play were examined using an ABAB design. In order to evaluate the educative value of the procedure, separate data were collected on appropriate play with target toys and on appropriate play with all other toys available. It was found that: (a) The overcorrection procedure was an effective decelerator of the stereotypic manipulations; (b) inverse covariation occurred between level of stereotypic behavior and appropriate play; and (c) increases in appropriate play with target toys were similar to increases in play with other toys. The results indicate that overcorrection does not necessarily possess educative value. This study provides support for the hypothesis that observed increases in appropriate behavior during overcorrection interventions are due to the increased reinforcement value of alternative activities in general, that may accompany the suppression of stereotypic behavior.

An Investigation of the Educative Effects of Overcorrection on the Behavior of an Autistic Child.

Normal patterns of living are at present being advocated and created for developmentally disabled individuals. Research aimed at supporting the normalization movement however requires a more applied and long term involvement than most past research. Present and future research should be ecologically valid for normal environments. This study evaluated the degree to which published research over a nine year period has met the present needs of moderate to severely developmentally disabled persons. The results indicate a slight trend towards studies which consider aspects of ecological validity. The disappointing outcome is discussed with respect to the noramalized needs of persons who are moderately to severely intellectually handicapped and/or autistic.

Research with Moderately, Severely, Profoundly Retarded and Autistic Individuals (1975 to 1983): An Evaluation of Ecological Validity

Evaluation of ten second contingent overcorrection and visual screening procedures in combination with DRI for reducing stereotypic responding and increasing adaptive behavior in mentally retarded children.

Vocalizations which are self-stimulatory in nature not only disturb the institutional living environment for all residents, they also impede, and sometimes completely stop, the learning of appropriate living skills by the vocalizer. This report details the use of an educative procedure which will effectively eliminate this behavior. The overcorrection technique reviewed in this study was effective in each setting in which it was applied even though it was not possible to administer training sessions daily and the patient was allowed to self-stimulate during treatment delivery. Follow-up measures taken 5 ½ months after termination of the treatment attest to its continued effectiveness.

Rosalie Higgs

Papers

Eliminating Self-Stimulatory Vocalizations of a Profoundly Retarded Girl through Overcorrection: