bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EXPOSURE‐BASED TREATMENT TO CONTROL EXCESSIVE BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITORING
Authors: Allen Keith D. , Evans Joseph H.
Published: March 2006

We investigated an exposure‐based procedure for reducing excessive checking of blood glucose by a child with diabetes. In a changing criterion design, an exposure‐based procedure was implemented by systematically exposing the child to decreasing amounts of information about blood sugar levels (checking) and thereby increasing exposure to potential hypoglycemia. Access to information was reduced in graduated increments, with the parents setting criteria to levels at which they were willing to adhere. Results demonstrated that the procedure was effective in reducing excessive blood glucose checking and in improving metabolic control.
THE DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS OF PHYSICAL RESTRAINT AS A CONSEQUENCE FOR INAPPROPRIATE CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Magee Sandy K. , Ellis Janet
Published: March 2006

Functional analyses produced inconclusive results regarding variables that maintained problem behavior for 2 students with developmental disabilities. Procedures were modified to include a contingent physical restraint condition based on in‐class observations. Results indicated that under conditions in which physical restraint (i.e., basket‐hold time‐out) was applied contingent on problem behavior, rates of these behaviors increased across sessions for both subjects. Implications for the use of physical restraint in the classroom are discussed.
THE REDUCTIVE EFFECTS OF NONCONTINGENT REINFORCEMENT: FIXED‐TIME VERSUS VARIABLE‐TIME SCHEDULES
Authors: Carr James E. , Kellum Karen Kate , Chong Ivy M.
Published: March 2006

The effects of fixed‐time (FT) and variable‐time (VT) schedules on responding were evaluated with 2 adults with mental retardation. Multielement and reversal designs were used to compare the effects of FT and VT schedules in reducing responses previously maintained on variable‐ratio reinforcement schedules. The schedules were equally effective in reducing the target behavior.
PARENTAL USE OF ESCAPE EXTINCTION AND DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT TO TREAT FOOD SELECTIVITY
Authors: Anderson Cynthia M. , McMillan Kimberly
Published: March 2006

Escape extinction combined with differential reinforcement for acceptance has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for food selectivity when implemented by trained professionals in clinic settings. This study evaluated the efficacy of parent‐implemented escape extinction in the child's natural environment using video monitoring to train parents and assess intervention efficacy. Parents were able to use intervention to significantly increase bites accepted and decrease problem behavior.
EVALUATING THE DURATION OF THE COMPETING RESPONSE IN HABIT REVERSAL: A PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Twohig Michael P. , Woods Douglas W.
Published: March 2006

The effectiveness of habit reversal was compared across three different competing response (CR) durations. Results showed that 1‐min and 3‐min CR durations were associated with short‐term and long‐term increases in nail length for people who bit their nails. A 5‐s CR duration produced immediate increases in nail length that were not maintained. Social validity data were consistent with these findings.
RESPONSE BLOCKING WITH AND WITHOUT REDIRECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF PICA
Authors: Hagopian Louis P. , Adelinis John D.
Published: March 2006

Although response blocking can decrease problem behavior, one potential adverse side effect is the induction of aggression. In the current study, we report on a young adult who engaged in high rates of pica maintained by automatic reinforcement. Blocking pica, however, led to aggression. When redirection to an alternative preferred food item was added to an intervention consisting of response blocking, pica was effectively treated without increasing aggression.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT OF HAIR TWIRLING IN A YOUNG CHILD
Authors: Deaver Cristine M. , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Stricker Jason M.
Published: March 2006

A young child participated in a functional analysis and treatment of hair twirling, a frequently occurring precursor to hair pulling. The functional analysis showed that hair twirling occurred mostly when the child was alone at bedtime. Noncontingent application of mittens decreased hair twirling to near‐zero levels in two settings (home and day care).
A BRIEF COMPUTER‐BASED ASSESSMENT OF REINFORCER DIMENSIONS AFFECTING CHOICE
Authors: Neef Nancy A. , Lutz Megan Noone
Published: March 2006

In an extension of Neef, Shade, and Miller (1994), we used a brief computer‐based assessment of differential responsiveness to reinforcer rate, quality, delay, and response effort in affecting the choices of 11 participants. The assessment involved successive presentations of two concurrent sets of math problems, each set associated with competing reinforcer or response dimensions in a counterbalanced fashion. The results showed that the reinforcer and response dimensions differentially affected choice, with time‐allocation patterns varying across students.
TREATING AEROPHAGIA WITH CONTINGENT PHYSICAL GUIDANCE
Authors: Garcia David , Starin Stephen , Churchill Robert M.
Published: March 2006

Contingent physical guidance was used to treat chronic aerophagia. This consisted of guiding the participant's hand over her mouth following each attempt to engage in aerophagia. A wristwatch was then correlated with the contingent physical guidance procedure. Responding remained low in the presence of the wristwatch, even after contingent physical guidance was withdrawn.
TREATMENT OF MULTIPLY CONTROLLED DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR WITH FOOD REINFORCEMENT
Authors: Adelinis John D. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Goh Han‐Leong
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the extent to which the positive reinforcement of communication would reduce multiply controlled destructive behavior in the absence of relevant extinction components. When edible reinforcement for appropriate communication and nonfood reinforcers for problem behavior were available simultaneously, responding was allocated almost exclusively toward the behavior that produced edible reinforcement.
IDENTIFICATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINANTS OF BEHAVIOR DISORDERS THROUGH FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF PRECURSOR BEHAVIORS
Authors: Smith Richard G. , Churchill Robert M.
Published: March 2006

Experimental analysis procedures have been shown to be effective means for identifying the environmental determinants of problem behaviors. A potential limitation of these procedures is that it is necessary to produce and document patterns in the occurrence of the problem behavior during the assessment. In the case of severe behavior disorders, this may place the participant or therapist at such risk as to preclude the analysis. The current study arranged experimental analysis contingencies for precursor behaviors that had been observed to reliably precede the occurrence of problem behaviors targeted for reduction. For each of the 4 participants, it was possible to infer the maintaining variables for problem behaviors based on the outcomes of precursor analysis. These results suggest that the current procedures represent a promising alternative method for reducing risk during functional analysis of problem behaviors.
AN APPLICATION OF THE MATCHING LAW TO SEVERE PROBLEM BEHAVIOR
Authors: Borrero John C. , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated problem behavior and appropriate behavior using the matching equation with 4 individuals with developmental disabilities. Descriptive observations were conducted during interactions between the participants and their primary care providers in either a clinical laboratory environment (3 participants) or the participant's home (1 participant). Data were recorded on potential reinforcers, problem behavior, and appropriate behavior. After identifying the reinforcers that maintained each participant's problem behavior by way of functional analysis, the descriptive data were analyzed retrospectively, based on the matching equation. Results showed that the proportional rate of problem behavior relative to appropriate behavior approximately matched the proportional rate of reinforcement for problem behavior for all participants. The results extend prior research because a functional analysis was conducted and because multiple sources of reinforcement (other than attention) were evaluated. Methodological constraints were identified, which may limit the application of the matching law on both practical and conceptual levels.
CONCURRENT REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULES: BEHAVIOR CHANGE AND MAINTENANCE WITHOUT EXTINCTION
Authors: Hoch Hannah , McComas Jennifer J. , Thompson Andrea L. , Paone Debra
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the effects of concurrent schedules of reinforcement on negatively reinforced problem behavior and task completion with 3 children with autism. Results indicated that problem behavior occurred at high levels and relatively few tasks were completed when problem behavior produced a break (from tasks) and task completion produced either no consequence or a break. By contrast, problem behavior was eliminated and tasks were completed when problem behavior produced a break and task completion produced a break with access to preferred activities. Treatment gains were maintained without the use of extinction when the response requirement was increased and the schedule of reinforcement was thinned.
AN EVALUATION OF FOOD TYPE AND TEXTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF A FEEDING PROBLEM
Authors: Patel Meeta R. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Santana Christine M. , Volkert Valerie M.
Published: March 2006

An evaluation of food type and texture indicated that both variables affected the expulsions of a 3‐year‐old with feeding problems. The results of the evaluation were used to prescribe a treatment (reducing the texture of one food type) that reduced expulsion.
OPERANT‐CONTINGENCY‐BASED PREPARATION OF CHILDREN FOR FUNCTIONAL MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING
Authors: Slifer Keith J. , Koontz Kristine L. , Cataldo Michael F.
Published: March 2006

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is used to study brain function during behavioral tasks. The participation of pediatric subjects is problematic because reliable task performance and control of head movement are simultaneously required. Differential reinforcement decreased head motion and improved vigilance task performance in 4 children (2 with behavioral disorders) undergoing simulated fMRI scans. Results show that behavior analysis techniques can improve child cooperation during fMRI procedures.
EFFECTS OF PUBLIC POSTING, GOAL SETTING, AND ORAL FEEDBACK ON THE SKILLS OF FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS
Authors: Brobst Brandilea , Ward Phillip
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the effects of public posting, goal setting, and oral feedback on the skills of 3 female high school soccer players during practice scrimmages. The dependent variables were the percentage of appropriate responses when the player (a) kept and maintained possession of the ball, (b) moved to an open position during a game restart (e.g., goal or corner kick), and (c) moved to an open position after passing the ball. We also assessed the extent to which changes in practice performances generalized to games. A social validity questionnaire was completed by both players and coaches to assess the acceptability of the intervention's goals, procedures, and outcomes. Results indicate that the intervention was effective in improving performances during practice scrimmages but produced limited generalization to game settings.
AN EVALUATION OF SIMULTANEOUS AND SEQUENTIAL PRESENTATION OF PREFERRED AND NONPREFERRED FOOD TO TREAT FOOD SELECTIVITY
Authors: Piazza Cathleen C. , Patel Meeta R. , Santana Christine M. , Goh Han‐Leong , Delia Michael D. , Lancaster Blake M.
Published: March 2006

In the current investigation, we compared two methods of food presentation (simultaneous vs. sequential) to increase consumption of nonpreferred food for 3 children with food selectivity. In the simultaneous condition, preferred foods were presented at the same time as nonpreferred food (e.g., a piece of broccoli was presented on a chip). In the sequential condition, acceptance of the nonpreferred food resulted in presentation of the preferred food. Increases in consumption occurred immediately during the simultaneous condition for 2 of the 3 participants. For 1 participant, increases in consumption occurred in the simultaneous condition relative to the sequential condition, but only after physical guidance and re‐presentation were added to treatment. Finally, consumption increased for 1 participant in the sequential condition, but only after several sessions. These results are discussed in terms of possible mechanisms that may alter preferences for food (i.e., establishing operations, flavor‐flavor conditioning).
DURATION‐BASED MEASURES OF PREFERENCE FOR VOCATIONAL TASKS
Authors: Worsdell April S. , Iwata Brian A. , Wallace Michele D.
Published: March 2006

We compared results from two preference assessments with data on extended performance of vocational tasks by 4 participants with developmental disabilities. All participants engaged in one task exclusively when seven tasks were available concurrently during a 5‐min multiple‐stimulus assessment. By contrast, all participants exhibited high levels of engagement in most tasks when the tasks were presented singly for 5 min, and these data showed a high degree of correspondence with those obtained during extended (60‐min) vocational assessments.
DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT WITH AND WITHOUT INSTRUCTIONAL FADING
Authors: Ringdahl Joel E. , Kitsukawa Kana , Andelman Marc S. , Call Nathan , Winborn Lisa , Barretto Anjali , Reed Gregory K.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated a differential‐reinforcement‐based treatment package for the reduction of problem behavior during instructional situations. Differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA; compliance) was implemented across two conditions. During one condition, instructions were presented approximately once every other minute. This condition was considered the terminal goal for treatment. During the second condition, the rate of instructions was gradually increased (beginning at zero and ending when instruction rate was similar to the first condition). Results indicated that DRA with instructional fading resulted in less problem behavior than DRA without instructional fading. These results are similar to previous studies regarding the utility of instructional fading.
ASSESSMENT OF MAND SELECTION FOR FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION TRAINING PACKAGES
Authors: Winborn Lisa , Wacker David P. , Richman David M. , Asmus Jennifer , Geier Deb
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the effects of training novel and existing mands during functional communication training (FCT) to decrease problem behavior for 2 children. A functional analysis (Phase 1) identified mands for FCT. Phase 2 used distinct stimulus conditions to train novel and existing mands. Phase 3 evaluated allocation of responding within a concurrent‐schedules design. When reinforcement for either mand was concurrently available, the children used existing mands more than novel mands, but higher levels of problem behavior occurred with existing mands.
A COMPARISON OF MULTIPLE REINFORCER ASSESSMENTS TO IDENTIFY THE FUNCTION OF MALADAPTIVE BEHAVIOR
Authors: Lindauer Steven E. , Zarcone Jennifer R. , Richman David M. , Schroeder Stephen R.
Published: March 2006

Functional analysis results indicated that maladaptive behaviors displayed by a 25‐year‐old man with profound mental retardation were maintained by attention from caregivers and possibly, to a lesser degree, by access to tangible items. A concurrent‐schedules procedure was then used to study the relative reinforcing value for maladaptive behavior of attention versus tangible items. Results of the concurrent‐schedules assessment and subsequent functional communication training indicated that preference for attention versus access to a tangible object varied.
THE INFLUENCE OF ACTIVITY CHOICE ON PROBLEM BEHAVIORS MAINTAINED BY ESCAPE VERSUS ATTENTION
Authors: Romaniuk Cathryn , Miltenberger Raymond , Conyers Carole , Jenner Nicole , Jurgens Mandy , Ringenberg Crystal
Published: March 2006

This study assessed whether the function of an individual's problem behavior was related to the effectiveness of an intervention involving choice among tasks. Analogue functional analyses were conducted with 7 students with various diagnoses to determine whether problem behaviors were maintained by escape or attention. Following identification of the function of each student's problem behavior, reversal designs were used to assess the effectiveness of an intervention that allowed the students to choose their own instructional tasks. Results showed that students who displayed escape‐maintained problem behavior showed substantial reductions in such behavior when they were provided with opportunities to choose among tasks. On the other hand, students who displayed attention‐maintained problem behavior did not show any effects as a result of the choice intervention. These findings are discussed in terms of the effective use of behavior management programs involving choice and the reduction of problem behavior.
SENSITIVITY OF CHILDREN'S BEHAVIOR TO PROBABILISTIC REWARD: EFFECTS OF A DECREASING‐RATIO LOTTERY SYSTEM ON MATH PERFORMANCE
Authors: Martens Brian K. , Ardoin Scott P. , Hilt Alexandra M. , Lannie Amanda L. , Panahon Carlos J. , Wolfe Laurie A.
Published: March 2006

Probabilistic reward has been shown to affect children's choice behavior in game‐like activities. We examined the effects of a lottery system containing progressively lower exchange ratios on children's completion of math problems. Two of the 3 children completed problems above baseline levels until the chance of exchange dropped to 25%. This study describes a potentially useful method for examining reinforcement schedules in applied settings and extends previous research on probabilities of reinforcement.
EVALUATING THE FUNCTION OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Critchfield Thomas S.
Published: March 2006

Analysis of scholarly citations involving behavioral journals reveals that, consistent with its mission, applied behavior analysis research frequently references the basic behavioral literature but, as some have suspected, exerts narrow scholarly influence.
ON THE STATUS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR USING PUNISHMENT: IMPLICATIONS FOR TREATING BEHAVIOR DISORDERS
Authors: Lerman Dorothea C. , Vorndran Christina M.
Published: March 2006

In this paper, we review basic and applied findings on punishment and discuss the importance of conducting further research in this area. The characteristics of responding during punishment and numerous factors that interact with basic processes are delineated in conjunction with implications for the treatment of behavior disorders in clinical populations. We conclude that further understanding of punishment processes is needed to develop a highly systematic, effective technology of behavior change, including strategies for improving the efficacy of less intrusive procedures and for successfully fading treatment.
PUNISHMENT HAPPENS: SOME COMMENTS ON LERMAN AND VORNDRAN'S REVIEW
Authors: Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: March 2006

Some readers will view the article by Lerman and Vorndran as controversial. It is a review of existing basic and applied research on punishment and a call for additional research on punishment. The thesis of my commentary is that the paper should not be viewed as controversial. Punishment happens. To ignore a natural phenomenon and its implications for a technology of behavior is akin to ignoring the physical nature of the universe. A science and a technology of behavior are incomplete without research on punishment. Five reasons to pursue punishment research are discussed, along with some caveats.
THE EFFECTS OF COMPETING REINFORCEMENT SCHEDULES ON THE ACQUISITION OF FUNCTIONAL COMMUNICATION
Authors: Kelley Michael E. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Van Camp Carole M.
Published: March 2006

The initial efficacy of functional communication training (FCT) was evaluated when problem behavior continued to produce intermittent reinforcement. Results for 2 of 3 participants showed that FCT was most effective when problem behavior was also exposed to extinction, response blocking, or both.
FURTHER EVALUATION OF THE ROLE OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN THE FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF SELF‐INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR
Authors: Borrero John C. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Wright Carrie S. , Lerman Dorothea C. , Kelley Michael E.
Published: March 2006

Using a procedure similar to the one described by Le and Smith (in press), we evaluated the effects of protective equipment during a functional analysis for 2 individuals who engaged in severe self‐injurious behavior (SIB). Results of our analyses revealed that the use of protective equipment during functional analyses of SIB suppressed levels of responding such that a behavioral function could not be identified.
TEACHER ACQUISITION OF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY
Authors: Moore James W. , Edwards Ron P. , Sterling‐Turner Heather E. , Riley Julie , DuBard Melanie , McGeorge Aimee
Published: March 2006

The current study examined methods for training teachers to use functional analysis methods. Teachers first received written and verbal instructions detailing attention and demand conditions. They then received training that included modeling, rehearsal, and performance feedback. Finally, probes were taken during ongoing class instruction. Results indicate that teachers acquired the skills and used them in classroom settings.
INCREASING SOCIAL INITIATIONS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM: EFFECTS OF A TACTILE PROMPT
Authors: Shabani Daniel B. , Katz Roger C. , Wilder David A. , Beauchamp Kenneth , Taylor Crystal R. , Fischer Kirsten J.
Published: March 2006

An ABAB design was used to assess the effects of a tactile prompting device (i.e., a vibrating pager) as a prompt for the social initiations of 3 children with autism during free‐play activities with typically developing peers. Results indicated that the tactile prompt was effective in increasing verbal initiations for all 3 children, and responses to peers' initiations were higher for 2 participants when the tactile prompt was used. Efforts to reduce the frequency of prompts while still maintaining rates of initiations were partially successful for 1 participant.
TREATMENT EFFICACY OF NONCONTINGENT REINFORCEMENT DURING BRIEF AND EXTENDED APPLICATION
Authors: Lindberg Jana S. , Iwata Brian A. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Worsdell April S. , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated the long‐term therapeutic effects of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR). In Experiment 1, NCR effects were examined with 2 participants' arbitrary responses; in Experiment 2, NCR was used as treatment with 3 participants whose self‐injurious behavior (SIB) was maintained by automatic reinforcement. In both experiments, NCR consisted of continuous access to a highly preferred leisure item and was implemented initially during 10‐min and later during 120‐min sessions. Varied reinforcers (leisure items) were subsequently introduced during 120‐min sessions to determine if treatment effects might be extended. Finally (Experiment 2 only), NCR was implemented throughout the day in participants' homes. Results of Experiments 1 and 2 showed that reinforcers obtained through object manipulation can compete with those obtained automatically by engaging in SIB during brief NCR sessions. However, data from the 120‐min sessions indicated that satiation to a specific leisure item might occur over periods of time more typical of those during which treatment would be implemented. Access to a variety of highly preferred leisure items extended the effectiveness of NCR for some individuals. When NCR was implemented throughout the day (Experiment 2), therapeutic effects were shown to be maintained for up to 1 year.
COVARIATION BETWEEN BIZARRE AND NONBIZARRE SPEECH AS A FUNCTION OF THE CONTENT OF VERBAL ATTENTION
Authors: DeLeon Iser G. , Arnold Kristie L. , Rodriguez‐Catter Vanessa , Uy Michelle L.
Published: March 2006

A functional analysis suggested that the bizarre speech of an individual with developmental disabilities was maintained by attention. The content of verbal attention was manipulated in two subsequent analyses and revealed that (a) bizarre speech was more frequent when attention was related to the participant's bizarre speech and (b) the participant's statements tended to reflect the content of the therapist's attention, whether bizarre or nonbizarre.
CITATION TRENDS OF APPLIED JOURNALS IN BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY: 1981–2000
Authors: Carr James E. , Britton Lisa N.
Published: March 2006

One variable with which to evaluate scientific journals is how often their articles are cited in the literature. Such data are amenable to longitudinal analysis and can be used as a measure of a journal's impact on research within a discipline. We evaluated multiple citation measures for a number of applied journals in behavioral psychology from 1981 to 2000. The results indicate a relatively consistent impact across these journals, with some evidence of growth.
AN EVALUATION OF A BRIEF FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS FORMAT WITHIN A VOCATIONAL SETTING
Authors: Wallace Michele D. , Knights Dawn J.
Published: March 2006

We conducted and compared both brief and extended functional analyses of disruptive behaviors for 3 individuals with developmental disabilities who attended a vocational training program. Results demonstrated that the brief assessment identified the function of 2 of the 3 participants' disruptive behavior compared to the extended assessment.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS OF INAPPROPRIATE MEALTIME BEHAVIORS
Authors: Piazza Cathleen C. , Fisher Wayne W. , Brown Kimberly A. , Shore Bridget A. , Patel Meeta R. , Katz Richard M. , Sevin Bart M. , Gulotta Charles S. , Blakely‐Smith Audrey
Published: March 2006

The purpose of the current investigation was to apply the functional analysis described by Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman (1982/1994) to the inappropriate mealtime behaviors of 15 children who had been referred to an intensive program for the assessment and treatment of severe feeding disorders. During Study 1, we conducted descriptive assessments of children and parents during meals. The results of Study 1 showed that parents used the following consequences for inappropriate mealtime behaviors: coaxing and reprimanding, allowing the child to periodically take a break from or avoid eating, and giving the child preferred food or toys following inappropriate behavior. The effects of these consequences were tested systematically in Study 2 when we conducted analogue functional analyses with the children. During alternating meals, one of the consequences typically used by parents consistently followed inappropriate child behavior. Results indicated that these consequences actually worsened behavior for 10 of the 15 children (67%). These results suggested that the analogue functional analysis described by Iwata et al. may be useful in identifying the environmental events that play a role in feeding disorders.
ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF ELOPEMENT: A REPLICATION AND EXTENSION
Authors: Tarbox Rachel S. F. , Wallace Michele D. , Williams Larry
Published: March 2006

The current investigation replicated and extended the assessment and treatment methodology of elopement. The environmental variables that maintained elopement were identified in each case, and successful treatments were implemented for the 3 participants in settings that were similar to those in which elopement occurred.
RATE‐DECREASING EFFECTS OF THE ATYPICAL NEUROLEPTIC RISPERIDONE ATTENUATED BY CONDITIONS OF REINFORCEMENT IN A WOMAN WITH MENTAL RETARDATION
Authors: Yoo J. Helen , Williams Dean C. , Napolitano Deborah A. , Peyton Robert T. , Baer Donald M. , Schroeder Stephen R.
Published: March 2006

Effects of two doses of risperidone on the performance of a matching task under tangible reinforcement and nonreinforcement conditions were measured in a woman with mental retardation. In both conditions, time to complete the task increased and response rates decreased under two doses of risperidone. Accuracy was generally unchanged. These changes were much smaller in the tangible reinforcement condition; thus, reinforcement seemed to protect performance from the rate‐decreasing effects of risperidone.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT OF VERBAL PERSEVERATIONS DISPLAYED BY AN ADULT WITH AUTISM
Authors: Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Chambers Mark R.
Published: March 2006

The function of perseverative speech for an adult man who had been diagnosed with autism and mental retardation was examined. Results showed that verbal perseverations were maintained by social attention. An intervention consisting of differential reinforcement of appropriate verbal responses and extinction of perseverative verbal responding was effective in decreasing verbal perseverations.
ENHANCING TOLERANCE TO DELAYED REINFORCERS: THE ROLE OF INTERVENING ACTIVITIES
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Randich Lysette
Published: March 2006

Three participants with moderate to profound mental retardation were exposed to choices between an immediate small amount and a delayed larger amount of a preferred reinforcer. All participants initially showed a relatively high preference for the smaller reinforcer, suggesting impulsive choice making. However this preference reversed, suggesting self‐control, when the larger reinforcer was available immediately and, over time, its delay was gradually increased. Results highlight the potential utility of incorporating concurrent activities into self‐control training paradigms.
SEQUENTIAL AND MATCHING ANALYSES OF SELF‐INJURIOUS BEHAVIOR: A CASE OF OVERMATCHING IN THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Symons Frank J. , Hoch John , Dahl Norman A. , McComas Jennifer J.
Published: March 2006

In this study, we examined the relation between naturally occurring rates of self‐injurious behavior and appropriate communicative behavior using prospective sequential and matching analyses of descriptive data. Results from both analyses suggested reliable covariation between both forms of behavior and staff attention. Findings are discussed in terms of the applicability of quantitative descriptive analyses to characterize behavior–environment relations in natural contexts.
USING SIMULTANEOUS PRESENTATION TO INCREASE VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION IN A MILDLY SELECTIVE CHILD WITH AUTISM
Authors: Ahearn William H.
Published: March 2006

A multiple baseline design was used to evaluate the effects of adding condiments on the consumption of previously rejected foods (vegetables). Adding condiments produced increased food acceptance across three food items. Data are discussed in relation to conditioned food preferences and establishing operations.
SELF‐CONTROL AND THE PREFERENCE FOR DELAYED REINFORCEMENT: AN EXAMPLE IN BRAIN INJURY
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Horner Mollie J. , Guercio John
Published: March 2006

We investigated the effects of a concurrent physical therapy activity (keeping the hand open) during delays to reinforcement in an adult man with acquired brain injuries. Once a relatively stable level of hand‐open behavior was obtained, the participant was asked to choose between a small immediate reinforcer and a larger delayed reinforcer contingent on keeping the hand open at greater‐than‐baseline duration. Afterwards, the participant was asked to select between a larger delayed reinforcer with no hand‐open requirement and the identical larger delayed reinforcer with a progressively increasing hand‐open requirement. Results suggest a shift in preference to larger delayed reinforcers and an eventual preference for the hand‐open requirement option.
VISUAL AIDS AND STRUCTURED CRITERIA FOR IMPROVING VISUAL INSPECTION AND INTERPRETATION OF SINGLE‐CASE DESIGNS
Authors: Fisher Wayne W. , Kelley Michael E. , Lomas Joanna E.
Published: March 2006

Because behavior analysis is a data‐driven process, a critical skill for behavior analysts is accurate visual inspection and interpretation of single‐case data. Study 1 was a basic study in which we increased the accuracy of visual inspection methods for A‐B designs through two refinements of the split‐middle (SM) method called the dual‐criteria (DC) and conservative dual‐criteria (CDC) methods. The accuracy of these visual inspection methods was compared with one another and with two statistical methods (Allison & Gorman, 1993; Gottman, 1981) using a computer‐simulated Monte Carlo study. Results indicated that the DC and CDC methods controlled Type I error rates much better than the SM method and had considerably higher power (to detect real treatment effects) than the two statistical methods. In Study 2, brief verbal and written instructions with modeling were used to train 5 staff members to use the DC method, and in Study 3, these training methods were incorporated into a slide presentation and were used to rapidly (i.e., 15 min) train a large group of individuals (N = 87). Interpretation accuracy increased from a baseline mean of 55% to a treatment mean of 94% in Study 2 and from a baseline mean of 71% to a treatment mean of 95% in Study 3. Thus, Study 1 answered basic questions about the accuracy of several methods of interpreting A‐B designs; Study 2 showed how that information could be used to increase the accuracy of human visual inspectors; and Study 3 showed how the training procedures from Study 2 could be modified into a format that would facilitate rapid training of large groups of individuals to interpret single‐case designs.
MOTIVATING OPERATIONS AND TERMS TO DESCRIBE THEM: SOME FURTHER REFINEMENTS
Authors: Laraway Sean , Snycerski Susan , Michael Jack , Poling Alan
Published: March 2006

Over the past decade, behavior analysts have increasingly used the term establishing operation (EO) to refer to environmental events that influence the behavioral effects of operant consequences. Nonetheless, some elements of current terminology regarding EOs may interfere with applied behavior analysts' efforts to predict, control, describe, and understand behavior. The present paper (a) describes how the current conceptualization of the EO is in need of revision, (b) suggests alternative terms, including the generic term motivating operation (MO), and (c) provides examples of MOs and their behavioral effects using articles from the applied behavior analysis literature.
DELAY DISCOUNTING BY PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLERS
Authors: Dixon Mark R. , Marley Janice , Jacobs Eric A.
Published: March 2006

Discounting of delayed rewards by pathological gamblers was compared to discounting of delayed rewards by matched control nongambling participants. All participants completed a hypothetical choice task in which they made repeated choices between $1,000 available after a delay and an equal or lesser amount of money available immediately. The delay to the large amount of money was varied from 1 week to 10 years across conditions. Indifference points between immediate money and delayed money were identified at each delay condition by varying the amount of immediate money across choice trials. For the majority of participants, indifference points decreased monotonically across delays. Overall, gamblers discounted the delayed rewards more steeply than did control participants.
RESPONSE‐RESTRICTION ANALYSIS: I. ASSESSMENT OF ACTIVITY PREFERENCES
Authors: Hanley Gregory P. , Iwata Brian A. , Lindberg Jana S. , Conners Juliet
Published: March 2006

We used procedures based on response‐restriction (RR) analysis to assess vocational and leisure activity preferences for 3 adults with developmental disabilities. To increase the efficiency of the analysis relative to that reported in previous research, we used criteria that allowed activities to be restricted at the earliest point at which a preference could be determined. Results obtained across two consecutive RR assessments showed some variability in overall preference rankings but a high degree of consistency for highly ranked items. Finally, we compared results of the RR assessment with those of an extended free‐operant assessment and found that the RR assessment yielded (a) more differentiated patterns of preference and (b) more complete information about engagement with all of the target activities.
A MULTIPLE‐SCHEDULE EVALUATION OF IMMEDIATE AND SUBSEQUENT EFFECTS OF FIXED‐TIME FOOD PRESENTATION ON AUTOMATICALLY MAINTAINED MOUTHING
Authors: Simmons Jason N. , Smith Richard G. , Kliethermes Lana
Published: March 2006

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate and subsequent effects of fixed‐time (FT) food presentations on mouthing. The effects of FT food presentations were analyzed within a three‐component multiple schedule in which baseline conditions were implemented during the first and third components and treatment conditions were implemented during the second component. Results indicated that FT food reduced mouthing and that levels of mouthing during post‐FT components were reliably lower than pre‐FT components. Behavioral mechanisms responsible for treatment effects are discussed.
CREATING ACTIVITY SCHEDULES USING MICROSOFT® POWERPOINT®
Authors: Rehfeldt Ruth Anne , Kinney Elisabeth M. , Root Shannon , Stromer Robert
Published: March 2006

We describe how PowerPoint® presentation software can be used to create computer activity schedules to teach individuals with special needs. Presented are the steps involved in creating activity schedules with close‐ended and open‐ended activities, and for preparing schedules that include photos, sounds, text, and videos that can be used to occasion an individual's engagement in a variety of learning activities.
AN EVALUATION OF IN VIVO DESENSITIZATION AND VIDEO MODELING TO INCREASE COMPLIANCE WITH DENTAL PROCEDURES IN PERSONS WITH MENTAL RETARDATION
Authors: Conyers Carole , Miltenberger Raymond G. , Peterson Blake , Gubin Amber , Jurgens Mandy , Selders Andrew , Dickinson Jessica , Barenz Rebecca
Published: March 2006

Fear of dental procedures deters many individuals with mental retardation from accepting dental treatment. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of two procedures, in vivo desensitization and video modeling, for increasing compliance with dental procedures in participants with severe or profound mental retardation. Desensitization increased compliance for all 5 participants, whereas video modeling increased compliance for only 1 of 3 participants.
AN ANALYSIS OF INITIAL ACQUISITION AND MAINTENANCE OF SIGHT WORDS FOLLOWING PICTURE MATCHING AND COPY, COVER, AND COMPARE TEACHING METHODS
Authors: Conley Colleen M. , Derby K. Mark , Roberts‐Gwinn Michelle , Weber Kimberly P. , McLaughlin T. F.
Published: March 2006

This study compared the copy, cover, and compare method to a picture—word matching method for teaching sight word recognition. Participants were 5 kindergarten students with less than preprimer sight word vocabularies who were enrolled in a public school in the Pacific Northwest. A multielement design was used to evaluate the effects of the two interventions. Outcomes suggested that sight words taught using the copy, cover, and compare method resulted in better maintenance of word recognition when compared to the picture‐matching intervention. Benefits to students and the practicality of employing the word‐level teaching methods are discussed.
IMPROVING DAY‐TREATMENT SERVICES FOR ADULTS WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES: A NORM‐REFERENCED APPLICATION OF OUTCOME MANAGEMENT
Authors: Parsons Marsha B. , Rollyson Jeannia H. , Reid Dennis H.
Published: March 2006

We evaluated an outcome management program for working with staff to improve the performance of adults with severe disabilities in a congregate day‐treatment setting. Initially, observations were conducted of student task involvement and staff distribution of teaching interactions across students in four program sites. Using recent normative data to establish objective goals for student performance, management intervention was warranted in two of the sites. A six‐step outcome management program was then implemented in the two sites. The program involved defining desired student and staff outcomes, systematic monitoring of the outcomes, staff training, and supportive and corrective feedback. The outcome management program was accompanied by increases in student on‐task behavior and staff distribution of teaching interactions in both sites. The increases brought the levels of on‐task behavior above the normative average; on‐task behavior was maintained above the baseline average for over 1 year in both sites. These results are discussed in terms of the benefits of relying on normative data for objectively evaluating and improving service delivery systems. Discussion of future research needs focuses on applying the outcome management program to other settings and services for people with disabilities.
THE EFFECTS OF DELAYED PHYSICAL PROMPTS AND REINFORCEMENT ON INFANT SIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION
Authors: Thompson Rachel H. , McKerchar Paige M. , Dancho Kelly A.
Published: March 2006

Researchers and clinicians have recommended that sign language be taught to typically developing children during their first 2 years of life; however, existing research does not provide adequate information regarding appropriate methods of sign training. We used delayed physical prompting and reinforcement to teach manual signs to 3 children between the ages of 6 and 13 months. Data were collected on the occurrence of prompted and independent signs as well as crying. Sign training was successful in producing independent signing in all 3 children in under 4 hr of training per child.
FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS AND TREATMENT OF INAPPROPRIATE SEXUAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Fyffe Christie E. , Kahng SungWoo , Fittro Ellen , Russell David
Published: March 2006

The results of a functional analysis showed that inappropriate sexual behaviors exhibited by a 9‐year‐old boy who had been diagnosed with traumatic brain injury were maintained by positive reinforcement in the form of social attention. An intervention consisting of functional communication training and extinction resulted in reduced levels of inappropriate sexual behaviors.
A COMPARISON OF RESPONSE COST AND DIFFERENTIAL REINFORCEMENT OF OTHER BEHAVIOR TO REDUCE DISRUPTIVE BEHAVIOR IN A PRESCHOOL CLASSROOM
Authors: Conyers Carole , Miltenberger Raymond , Maki Amber , Barenz Rebecca , Jurgens Mandy , Sailer Angela , Haugen Meredith , Kopp Brandon
Published: March 2006

This study investigated the effectiveness of response cost and differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) in reducing the disruptive behaviors of 25 children in a preschool classroom. Using an alternating treatments design, disruptive behavior was reduced when the participants earned tokens for the absence of disruptive behavior (DRO) or lost tokens for the occurrence of disruptive behavior (response cost). Initially, DRO was more successful in reducing the number of disruptive behaviors; however, over time, response cost proved to be more effective.
PEDOMETERS AND BRIEF E‐COUNSELING: INCREASING PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR OVERWEIGHT ADULTS
Authors: VanWormer Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2006

Physical inactivity has emerged as a public health epidemic and is associated with the rising obesity rate. A multiple‐treatments reversal design was utilized to test whether pedometer‐aided self‐monitoring and brief e‐counseling could help 3 overweight adults increase their physical activity. Dependent measures were taken for pedometer steps and weight. Two participants approximately doubled their daily step totals and lost a modest amount of weight by study end.
REDUCING CONFLICTS BETWEEN MOTOR VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS: THE SEPARATE AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND A SIGN PROMPT
Authors: Huybers Sherry , Van Houten Ron , Malenfant J. E. Louis
Published: March 2006

The effects of a symbolic “yield here to pedestrians” sign and advance yield pavement markings on pedestrian/motor vehicle conflicts, motorists' yielding behavior, and the distance motorists' yield in advance of crosswalks were evaluated at multilane crosswalks at uncontrolled T intersections. In Experiment 1, the sign, when used alone, reduced pedestrian/motor vehicle conflicts and increased motorist yielding distance. The use of fluorescent yellow‐green sheeting as the background of the sign did not increase the effectiveness of the sign. Further reductions in pedestrian/motor vehicle conflicts and further increases in yielding distance were associated with the addition of advance yield pavement markings. In Experiment 2, advance yield pavement markings, when used alone, were as effective in reducing pedestrian/motor vehicle conflicts and increasing yielding distance as the sign combined with pavement markings. These data suggest that the pavement markings were the essential component for reducing conflicts and increasing yielding distance.
THE EFFECTS OF CONDUCTING BEHAVIORAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THE OBSERVER
Authors: Alvero Alicia M. , Austin John
Published: March 2006

Behavior‐analytic approaches to occupational safety are often effective for improving safety in organizations, and have been successful in a wide variety of settings. The effects of these safety processes are thought to arise primarily from the behavioral observation process and the delivery of feedback. Typically, supervisors or employee observers involved in behavioral safety implementations conduct observations. The present study was an attempt to assess the effects of conducting observations on an observer's safety performance. An ABC multiple baseline counterbalanced across two sets of behaviors was conducted in a simulated office. The target behaviors involved knee and back positions during lifts; back, shoulder, and feet positions while sitting; neck and wrist positions while typing; and neck position during phone use. Substantial improvements in safety performance occurred after participants conducted observations on a videotape of a confederate's performance. The possible behavioral functions responsible for this change, and the implications of these findings for applied settings, are discussed.
EVALUATION OF BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING TO PREVENT GUN PLAY IN CHILDREN
Authors: Miltenberger Raymond G. , Flessner Christopher , Gatheridge Brian , Johnson Brigitte , Satterlund Melisa , Egemo Kristin
Published: March 2006

This study evaluated behavioral skills training (BST), in a multiple baseline across subjects design, for teaching firearm safety skills to 6 6‐ and 7‐year‐old children. Similar to previous research with 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds, half of the children acquired the safety skills following BST and half acquired the skills following BST plus in situ training.
DEVELOPING STIMULUS CONTROL OF PRESCHOOLER MANDS: AN ANALYSIS OF SCHEDULE‐CORRELATED AND CONTINGENCY‐SPECIFYING STIMULI
Authors: Tiger Jeffrey H. , Hanley Gregory P.
Published: March 2006

The present study replicates and extends previous research on stimulus control by arranging teacher attention for preschooler's mands into a multiple schedule and conducting a component analysis of the effects of schedule‐correlated stimuli and contingency‐specifying stimuli (rules) on the development of discriminated manding.
THE IMPACT OF VERBAL PROMPTS ON CHILD SAFETY‐BELT USE IN SHOPPING CARTS
Authors: Barker Mae R. , Bailey Jon S. , Lee Natalie
Published: March 2006

Each year thousands of children are injured by falling from shopping carts. Buckling children into the seats of shopping carts could prevent many of these injuries. A combined reversal and multiple baseline across settings design was used to evaluate the impact of verbal prompts on shopping cart safety‐belt use in two stores. Safety‐belt use increased following implementation of the verbal prompt. This study extends the literature on the efficacy of verbal prompting in the promotion of safety‐belt use.