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Detecting Reinforcement Patterns In The Stream Of Naturalistic Observations Of Social Interactions, James Lamar Delaney 3rd

Dissertations and Theses

How do consequences affect future behaviors in real-world social interactions? The term positive reinforcer refers to those consequences that are associated with an increase in probability of an antecedent behavior (Skinner, 1938). To explore whether reinforcement occurs under naturally occuring conditions, many studies use sequential analysis methods to detect contingency patterns (see Quera & Bakeman, 1998). This study argues that these methods do not look at behavior change following putative reinforcers, and thus, are not sufficient for declaring reinforcement effects arising in naturally occuring interactions, according to the Skinner's (1938) operational definition of reinforcers.

This study presents the conceptual and …

The Reinforcing Effects Of Making Sense : Positive, Negative Or Both, Alisha Wray

Psychology ETDs

Many researchers have devoted attention to the human tendency to find coherence or make sense of events in the environment. Until recently, however, there was no direct empirical evidence that making sense could function as a reinforcer. Wray, Dougher, and Bullard (2008) provided preliminary evidence that solvable conditions are preferred over unsolvable conditions indicating that making sense is reinforcing. Results from the current study replicate these findings with two additional behavioral measures. Results further indicate that both solvable and neutral conditions are preferable to unsolvable conditions. However, results show there is little difference in preference for solvable over neutral conditions. …

An Investigation Of Verbal Events As Motivating Operations : The Effects Of Mood Induction On The Reinforcing Value Of Consequences, Rachel Freund

Psychology ETDs

This experimental study aimed to show the motivational effect of mood-altering verbal events on consequential functions through use of a within-subjects, repeated-measures design. Specifically, the effects of mood-induction on the self-reported value of various activities were investigated using explicit and implicit measurement. The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) was used as an indirect measure of changes in the reinforcing value of pleasant and unpleasant cognitive activities after mood induction. Implicit assessment allowed for minimization of demand characteristics together with assessment of cognitive preferences that participants were unaware of or reluctant to report. Data from 30 university undergraduates were analyzed and …

The Relative Contributions Of Preference And Functionality In Noncontingent Reinforcement Schedules, Tamara L. Pawich

Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Noncontingent reinforcement (NCR), the response-independent delivery of reinforcers, has been demonstrated to be an effective response suppression method for a variety of problem behaviors displayed by children. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether preference for specific reinforcers to another context led to greater response suppression through an experimental comparison of NCR with a functional reinforcer versus preferred stimuli. Two preschool-aged children with autism and tantrums maintained by tangible reinforcement participated. Preference values were evaluated through paired-choice and competing stimulus assessments. Three preferred stimuli were selected for NCR-Preferred experimental conditions, based on varied levels of preference (i.e., …

Are Humans Risk-Sensitive Foragers? An Experimental Model, Heide K. Deditius-Island

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effortful Responding And Behavioral Contrast, Georgann Zachary

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Positive Reinforcement And Its Effects On The Self-Concept Of The Inner-City Child, Constance L. Quinlan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Effort And Reinforcer Magnitude On Video Foraging In Rhesus Monkeys, Lisa Fosbender

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effort Shifts And Contrast In The Running Wheel, Georgann Zachary

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Force And Response Cost On Wheel Running In Rats, Lisa R. Brooks

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Effort And Magnitude Of Reinforcement On The Running Response In Rats, Andrea M. Karkowski

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Different Force Requirements On The Partial Reinforcement Extinction Effect: A Running Wheel Study, Robert Foss

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Locus Of Control Of Reinforcement And The Learning Of Personal Superstitions, Guy Dean Bateman

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Pausing Time Allocation And Constraint On Output, Nora N. Kametani

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Improving Medication Compliance With Mentally Disabled Outpatients: A Thesis ..., Nicole Gabrielle Miller

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The present study demonstrates the effectiveness of combining medication packaging, verbal and graphical feedback, and pill count probes on increasing medication compliance. Eight chronic adult outpatients were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: (a) a regimen card medication packaging system, and (b) a 7- day baggie medication packaging system. A staggered group treatment design was used to ascertain whether either of the two special packaging systems was effective relative to baseline and reversal conditions (using the standard medication vial) in increasing medication compliance behavior among both over-and undercompliant outpatients. Results indicated that the use of the special packaging of …

The Effects Of A Thank-You Letter And/Or Phone Call To First-Time Volunteer Blood Donors, Larkey Sheldon De Neffe

Dissertations and Theses

This study measures two reinforcement strategies designed to increase repeat donations in first-time volunteer blood donors.

Evaluating The Effects Of A Teacher-Planned Program Of Positive Reinforcement On Student Self-Concept, Rosemary Carter Kozma

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Social Interaction: A Neglected Reinforcing Component In A Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment For Children With Attention Deficits, David C. Fisher

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

Effects Of Intermittent Reinforcement And Reward-Associated Messages On Response Maintenance, Paul Vinciguerra

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The effects of thinning to intermittent reinforcement with various reward-associated messages were investigated using an alternating treatments design. Three children who displayed high rates of disruptive classroom behavior were encouraged to be on-task using a FI 30" schedule of token reinforcement. Once the children reached a preset criterion of on-task behavior, the tokens were thinned to a leaner FI 5' schedule and different reward-associated messages concerning the reinforcement reduction were simultaneously interspersed. Three conditions were compared and alternated from one session to the next. One condition attributed the reinforcement reduction to increased competence (e.g., "You're doing so well you don't …

Reinforcement Value Effects In The Recall Of Stimulus Sentences By Fifth Graders, Mary Kay Limke Riestenberg

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Use Of Covert Reinforcement In The Modification Of External Locus Of Control, Vincent Rose

Master's Theses

An analogue study was conducted to test the clinical efficacy of covert reinforcement (Cautela, 1970) and to assess the role of behavioral .rehearsal in covert reinforcement. A secondary purpose was to determine the effects of image clarity, subject anxiety level and rate of extra session imagery on the therapeutic effect of covert reinforcement. Forty introductory psychology students who scored above 8 on Rotter's (1966) I-E scale were seen for four, fifteen minute sessions over a two week period. Subjects were divided into five groups: a covert reinforcement group, an overt reinforcement group, a behavioral rehearsal group, an activity control group …

The Effects Of Multiple Reinforcers On Reinforcement Satiation In The Covert Positive Reinforcement Paradigm, Ignazio Charles Quinci

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Increasing Children's Self-Initiated Compliance To Their Dental Regimens, Susan Claerhout

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The present study examined the separate effects of an educational program, feedback, and a token economy on the rate of brushing and flossing in the home environment.

Test Of The Sequential Hypothesis Of Instrumental Learning In A Free Operant Paradigm, Peter S. Goeddel

Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers

No abstract provided.

The Effectiveness Of Videotape Recorded Feedback On The Facilitation Of Behavior Change In Three Institutionalized Adults, Stephen R. Boggs

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The effectiveness of videotape recorded feedback on reducing the rate of inappropriate, bizarre mannerisms n hospitalized individuals was examined using a multiple baseline design across three subjects. Results indicate that the technique was effective in reducing the rate of these behaviors in the treatment setting. Data on generalization of treatment effects were inconclusive. Theoretical explanations for the procedure's effectiveness are discussed.

The Use Of Operant Procedures To Develop Ambulation In A Wheelchair Confined Male, Burton E. Shook

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Studies have shown that operant procedures can be successfully used in physical rehabilitation. This study was an attempt to develop standing and walking behaviors in a 47-year old male who was confined to a wheelchair. A multiple baseline design across settings was used to demonstrate the effects of verbal, physical and edible reinforcers on three sub-behaviors of standing. The first two sub-behaviors were trained and training had begun on the third sub-behavior when the study was abruptly terminated. Thus, no training sessions for walking took place.

Application Of Reinforcement-Sampling Procedures With Formermental Patients In A Community Setting, Brett J. Dickinson

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Prompts and instructions and reinforcer-sampling procedures were used in an attempt to increase recreational activity attendance of eight former mental patients in a community setting. A multiple baseline design with a reversal component was used to assess the effectiveness of the procedures. Data indicated that there was no increase in the time subjects spent outside of their residential facility, or in the number of recreational activities they attended in the community. There was an increase in the variety of the activities attended, but this increase was not maintained. Future research suggestions for increasing activity attendance are offered, including the effects …

The Effects Of Self-Reliance On The Successful Use Of Self-Reinforcement, Sandra L. Thomas

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

The present study was designed to examine the relationship between the success of self-reinforcement (as defined by its effectiveness in increasing a given response) and a specific aspect of positive self-esteem that would seem most clearly related to the effectiveness of self-reinforcement, valuing one’s own opinions and judgements highly. Self-esteem implies a positive feeling or attitude about oneself. One factor involved in the acquisition of this positive attitude is the level of the individual’s confidence in the legitimacy of his own opinions. The more confident a person is that his opinions are of value, the more likely it is he …

Increasing Compliance To A Medical Regimen With A Juvenile Diabetic, Kathleen Lowe

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Studies investigating the use of behavioral techniques in the treatment of health-related problems have recently received considerable emphasis. Problems such as enuresis (Atthowe, 1972; Nordquist, 1971), obesity (Stuart, 19137), alcoholism (Miller, 1972; Sobell and Sobell, 1973), chronic pain (Fordyce, Fowler, Lehman, and DeLateur, 1975·), and asthma (Neisworth, 1972; Renne and Creer. 1976) have been treated by the use of behavioral techniques. Katz and Zlutnick (1975) mention two critical areas in which behavior analysis is particularly applicable to health care: a) rehabilitation, and b) patient management. Rehabilitation involves learning behaviors related to specific physical disabilities, for example stroke patients relearning walking …

Establishing Imitative Behavior And Stimulus Control In Retarded Children Using Peer Trainers, Judith A. Viventi

University of the Pacific Theses and Dissertations

Two severely retarded children were trained to serve as imitative learning trainers for two profoundly retarded children. Initially, one trainer reinforced the correct imitations of one trainee but not the other. A second trainer reinforced the correct imitations of a second trainee but not the first trainee. A multiple baseline _comparison revealed that initial training produced high rates of imitative responding to both the reinforcing and non-reinforcing trainers. .Generalization of initiative responding to both trainers in a new setting was also demonstrated. Stimulus control of imitative responding was achieved when the reinforcing and non-reinforcing trainers for each trainee reversed those …