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Journal ArticleDOI

Feedback to attendants as a reinforcer for applying operant techniques.

01 Mar 1970-Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior)-Vol. 3, Iss: 1, pp 1-4
TL;DR: After varying lengths of baseline, initiation of a feedback system increased the daily use of operant training methods by non-professional hall personnel in a state institution for retarded children.
Abstract: After varying lengths of baseline, initiation of a feedback system increased the daily use of operant training methods by non-professional hall personnel in a state institution for retarded children.
Citations
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The technique is designed to provide a thorough analysis of the relationship between an independent variable and the acquisition of a successive-approximation or chain sequence and provides answers to the following questions.
Abstract: Multiple-baseline and probe procedures are combined into a “multiple-probe” technique The technique is designed to provide a thorough analysis of the relationship between an independent variable and the acquisition of a successive-approximation or chain sequence It provides answers to the following questions: (1) What is the initial level of performance on each step in the training sequence? (2) What happens if sequential opportunities to perform each next step in the sequence are provided before training on that step? (3) What happens when training is applied? (4) What happens to the performance of remaining steps in the sequence as criterion is reached in the course of training each prior step? The technique features: (1) one initial probe of each step in the training sequence, (2) an additional probe of every step after criterion is reached on any training step, and (3) a series of “true” baseline sessions conducted just before the introduction of the independent variable to each training step Intermittent probes also provide an alternative to continuous baseline measurement, when such measurement during extended multiple baselines (1) may prove reactive, (2) is impractical, and/or (3) a strong a priori assumption of stability can be made

882 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Several procedures are presented that are designed to facilitate maintenance of performance when reinforcement is withdrawn, and methodological suggestions for investigations on token reinforcement in applied settings are presented.
Abstract: Token economies have been applied in a wide range of settings. While there are several advantages to the use of this procedure, there are obstacles that may impede its implementation and therapeutic efficacy. These include: staff training, client resistance, circumvention of the contingencies, and non-responsiveness of subjects. Studies employing token programs with psychiatric patients, retardates, children in classroom settings, delinquents, and autistic children are reviewed. Although token economies are successful while in operation, the issue of generalization of behavior gains or resistance to extinction has not been given careful consideration. Inasmuch as generalization is perhaps the most crucial issue, several procedures are presented that are designed to facilitate maintenance of performance when reinforcement is withdrawn. Methodological suggestions for investigations on token reinforcement in applied settings are presented.

482 citations


Cites background from "Feedback to attendants as a reinfor..."

  • ...For example, Panyan, Boozer, and Morris (1970) showed that subsequent to their training program, the staff became increasingly lax in their use of skills....

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  • ...Although the evidence for resistance to extinction is not encouraging (Kazdin, 1972a; Panyan et al., 1970) one interesting study has been reported....

    [...]

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The behavior analysis approach was used to improve worker safety in two departments in a food manufacturing plant and suggested that behaviorally denning and positively reinforcing safe practices is a viable approach to occupational accident reduction.
Abstract: The behavior analysis approach was used to improve worker safety in two departments in a food manufacturing plant. Desired safety practices were identified, permitting construction of observational codes suitable for observing workers' on-the-job performance over a 25-week period of time. The intervention consisted of an explanation and visual presentation of the desired behaviors, as well as frequent, low-cost reinforcement in the form of feedback. A withinsubject (multiple baseline) design was used. Employees in the two departments substantially improved their safety performance from 70% and 78% to 96% and 99%, respectively, after the staggered introduction of the program. During the reversal phase, performance returned to baseline (71% and 72%). It was concluded that the intervention, particularly the frequent feedback, was effective in improving safety performance. Not only did employees react favorably to the program, but the company was later able to maintain the program with a continuing decline in the injury frequency rate. The results suggest that behaviorally denning and positively reinforcing safe practices is a viable approach to occupational accident reduction.

444 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The use of optical character-recognition software was used in preparing this document and it is suggested that users of this software should consult the original article before making reference to the material herein.
Abstract: NOTICE: Optical character-recognition software was used in preparing this document. Please consult the original article before making reference to the material herein.

3,746 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Reinstatement of teacher attention as reinforcement for study once again markedly increased study behavior and indicated that the higher study rates were maintained after the formal program terminated.
Abstract: The effects of contingent teacher attention on study behavior were investigated. Individual rates of study were recorded for one first-grade and five third-grade pupils who had high rates of disruptive or dawdling behavior. A reinforcement period (in which teacher attention followed study behavior and non-study behaviors were ignored) resulted in sharply increased study rates. A brief reversal of the contingency (attention occurred only after periods of non-study behavior) again produced low rates of study. Reinstatement of teacher attention as reinforcement for study once again markedly increased study behavior. Follow-up observations indicated that the higher study rates were maintained after the formal program terminated.

495 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Following the medical paradigm, it is presumed that once the basic disfunction has been properly identified the appropriate treatment will be undertaken and the various manifestations of the disfunction will disappear.
Abstract: The behavior which leads to a person’s admission to a mental hospital often involves danger to himself or others, withdrawal from normal social functions, or a dramatic change from his usual mode of behaving. The professional staff of the psychiatric hospital directs its major efforts toward the discovery of the flaw in the patient’s mental apparatus which presumably underlies his disturbing and dangerous behavior. Following the medical paradigm, it is presumed that once the basic disfunction has been properly identified the appropriate treatment will be undertaken and the various manifestations of the disfunction will disappear.

448 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Differential consequences were used to increase obedience and decrease aggressive behavior in a four-and-one-half year old boy.
Abstract: Differential consequences were used to increase obedience and decrease aggressive behavior in a four-and-one-half year old boy. Treatment was conducted in the child's home by his mother.

205 citations