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An Analysis Of The Behavioral Consequences Of An Attendance Bonus Program, David William Smith

Masters Theses

Absenteeism is one of the most expensive and complex problems faced by management. Previous efforts to ameliorate attendance problems have focused on demographical analysis of absent workers, providing information of little value in designing remedial programs. The current project is an analysis of an Attendance Bonus Program in terms of contingencies of reinforcement. Six hundred union employees of a manufacturing plant served as subjects, with two comparison plants of 100 and 600 employees as comparative populations. Analysis of the prevailing contingencies identified a number of deficiencies. Attendance reinforcement aspects were appropriate, but a response criterion needs to be established. The …

Reduction Of Aggressive Behavior Of A Preschool Child Using Extinction And Teacher Attention Procedures, Greg Randle

Masters Theses

The subject was a 2 and a half-year-old male who engaged in a high rate of aggressive behavior that appeared to be maintained by teacher reprimands and physical contact. An extinction procedure in which all aggressive behavior directed toward peers was ignored was used in conjunction with teacher attention directed to the victim. Teacher attention was also used to positively reinforce the subject for interaction with peers. These procedures reduced the subject's aggressive behavior to a much lower rate. Although the subject's undesirable behavior was modified, a questionnaire responded to by the teachers indicated the need for open communication between …

Choice As A Dependent Measure In Autoshaping: Sensitivity To Frequency And Duration Of Food Presentation, Mitchell Jon Picker

Masters Theses

Previous investigations have shown that rate, latency, and percentage of trials with at least one response are somewhat insensitive measures of the strength of autoshaped responding. In two experiments, nine pigeons were exposed to an autoshaping procedure in which the successive presentation of three stimuli were followed by food on either 100%, 50%, or 0% of the trials. Choice testing involved the simultaneous presentation of the three stimuli. In Experiment I, all pigeons consistently directed their initial choice responses and the majority of subsequent responses to the stimulus always followed by food. In Experiment II, rate, latency, and percentage of …

Component Analysis Of Hutchings' Low-Stress Addition Algorithm, Daniel V. Mccallum

Masters Theses

An A-B-A-C counterbalanced reversal design was used with two groups to analyze the two components of Hutching's Low-Stress addition algorithm. Fourth grade students achieving 96% accuracy on a pretest of basic math facts were subjects of this study. Subjects were taught two new methods of computation; Hutchings' Low-Stress and the Conventional algorithm with a written record, along with reviewing the Conventional algorithm. Students were given worksheets containing fixed size addition problems and asked to complete as many as possible with a five-minute times session. Accuracy and speed were monitored across the three methods of computation. The results showed superior performance …

Reduction Of Self-Stimulatory Behavior Through The Use Of Appropriate Toy Training And Sensory Reduction, Jacquelyn A. Rouh

Masters Theses

Reduction of self-stimulatory behaviors in retarded and autistic children is desirable for a variety of reasons, including prevention of self-injurious behavior and increase in appropriate leisure activities. In this study, three autistic boys who exhibited hand-clasping, chin-grazing, and finger-waving were exposed to toys and received toy training on selected groups of toys. The toys consisted of stimulating toys, selecting toys, selected to replicate the sensory effects of their self-stimulation, and non-stimulating toys, selected to replicate a modality different from their self-stimulation from 85% of intervals observed and 11.3% to 0% and 7%, respectively. The third subject required the use of …

The Effects Of Prompts And Feedback On Frequency Of Teacher Referrals Of Students To A Contract Study Center, Leslie Marie Skinner

Masters Theses

Daily student referrals to a contract study center by seven high school teachers were recorded for a total of 95 school days. A reversal design, consisting of various experimental conditions interspersed between repeated baseline conditions, was used to determine if the number of teacher referrals of their students could be increased. Feedback was the only technique that showed minimum experimental control for the teachers that were able to return to baseline. No clear differences were apparent in the effectiveness between the prompting and feedback conditions. The procedures resulted in an increased use of a contract study center by offering students …

Job Satisfaction Of Working Black Women And The Relationship Of Social Awareness To Job Satisfaction, Lillian Denise Nunley

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Individual Verbal Training Versus Group Verbal Training Upon Preschooler's Corresponding Snack Selection, John W. Hoedl

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to compare group correspondence training with individual correspondence training. Groups of individually-trained and group-trained preschoolers were observed for their selection of specific snack items (fruit). First, they were trained to say they would select fruit. Then, social reinforcers were used to attempt to reinforce correspondence. Next, tangible reinforcers were contingent upon correspondence. The Group-Trained Tangible Reinforcement Phase proved the most successful and was replicated across the other groups.

Effects Of Supervisory Feedback Skills On Performance And Job Satisfaction, Kenneth Wayne Barnes

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effects Of Self-Management Training On Academic Performance, Mark R. Dean

Masters Theses

Two studies evaluated the effect of a self-management training program on students' academic performance. In Experiment 1, nine students with low academic scores received an instructional package providing training in self-monitoring, self-recording, and several environmental management techniques designed to increase the duration of studying for quizzes. The students had a median quiz score of low "C" before training and a median quiz score of "B" following training. Follow-up measures indicated that the majority of students were continuing to use these self-management techniques as part of their everyday activities. In Experiment 2, three components of the self-management program were individually evaluated. …

A Comparison Of Concurrent And Removed Component Procedures For Teaching Toothbrushing Skills To Preschoolers, Timothy Ian Mckinley

Masters Theses

The study compared the use of a removed component program to a concurrent training program in teaching toothbrushing skills to preschool children. The removed component program separated three response components from the terminal toothbrushing response and taught them separately out-of-the mouth before requiring them in the mouth. The concurrent training program required the three response components but did not train them separately in or out of the mouth. The removed component program taught the skills faster than or equal to the concurrent program, with a significantly higher percentage of correct responses.

Increasing Job Performance By Training Employees How To Request Instructions And Feedback, Laverne Talley Alebiosu

Masters Theses

This study investigated the effectiveness of a procedure to increase the job performance, defined as task completion, of four black adolescents serving as child care aides in a day care center. The trainees were taught to request instructions and feedback from their supervisor. They were also taught to self-record the number of requests for instructions and feedback and the tasks they completed. Training procedures therefore involved a method to increase task performance without any direct intervention on increasing tasks and incorporated these direct instruction techniques: Small group instruction; active responding; the model, lead, and test format; and the use of …

The Evaluation Of An Incentive Program Used To Recruit Health Club Memberships Through Friend Referrals, Michael D. Bowles

Masters Theses

This study evaluated an incentive program used to recruit memberships through friend referrals in a health club. A multiple-baseline design was used to compare the relative number of referrals made per person in the incentive conditions to the number made in the no-incentive conditions. In the first incentive condition for the two groups involved, the changes in the mean number of referrals per person dropped from .317 and .295 to .129 and .029 under the no-incentive conditions and back up to .291 and .297 under the second incentive condition. In looking at the cost and revenues attributable to this incentive …

Improving Staff Performance Through Checklists, Duane Lee Bacon

Masters Theses

Analysis of a checklist system suggested that it may be a useful method of improving staff performance and that three features were important: task definitions, recording responses on checklists, and periodic supervisor review. A checklist system incorporating these features was developed for an administrative staff in a large instructional system. A multiple baseline design and one reversal were used with three small groups of front-line staff, whose task completion was determined by permanent products left by the tasks. The percent of tasks completed improved by 28.8% when the checklist system was in effect. This study indicates that checklists may be …

Improving Instructional Skills Of Special Education Teachers Using A Group Training Package, R. Thomas Arkwright

Masters Theses

The objective of the present study was to develop and evaluate a training package which facilitates instructional skills of special education teachers in a practical, cost-efficient manner. After pretraining sessions of staggered baseline lengths, each teacher received sample program forms with written instructions and concise training on usage. As session performance stabilized, three teachers were taught specific performance feedback competencies and began giving verbal feedback during four other teachers' instructional sessions in a multiple-baseline across behaviors design. In addition to instructional competencies,generalization and maintenance effects were also assessed. Results indicate: 1) general training and program materials improved the instructional performance …

Stress Relative To The Onset Of Multiple Sclerosis Exacerbations, Charlene A. Horgen

Masters Theses

Twelve Multiple Sclerosis (MS) participants recorded weekly on standardized forms, Life Change Units (LCU) and a Neurological Examination Checklist (NE), to determine if a relationship existed between stress and the onset of MS exacerbations. Dicotomizing the LCU values and contrasting these values with the corresponding NE scores, resulted in non-significance using a t-test. Non-significance was found when contrasting dicotomized NE scores and corresponding LCU values. No relationship was indicated when individual subject comparisons of weekly LCU-NE and LCU-NE with one week lag scores were correlated.

The Effects Of Hutchings’ Low Stress Addition And Subtraction Algorithms On The Accuracy And Rate Of Problem Solving With Low Performing Math Students, Stephen Edgar Hadden

Masters Theses

The accuracy and rate of problem solving using Hutchings' low stress addition and subtraction algorithms was investigated using four, fourth-grade low performers. Two multiple baseline designs were used, (one for addition and one for subtraction) where subjects were required to work addition and subtraction problems using the conventional method during Baseline. As Baseline for each subject stabilized, a brief training program was implemented using Hutchings' low stress addition or subtraction algorithm. Following training, subjects were required to work the addition and subtraction problems using the new algorithm. Probes were administered before and after training to measure knowledge of place value …

A Comparison Of Speed And Accuracy In Addition Calculation For High And Low Achieving Math Students Using The Calculator, Conventional Algorithm And The Hutchings' “Low Stress Algorithm”, Edward S. Drew

Masters Theses

This study was an attempt to compare the differential calculation power (speed plus accuracy) with addition for the conventional algorithm as compared with the Hutchings' low stress algorithm as compared to hand held calculators for high and low achievers with two levels of difficulty. Also, it is a systematic replication of Zoref's (1976) previous research. The subjects were eight third grade students, four male and four female, approximately nine years old. A multielement baseline design was used varying type calculation method within sessions and level of difficulty across sessions. The Hutchings' "low stress" algorithm produced markedly better results in correct …

An Analysis Of Behavioral Approaches To Obesity/Weight Reduction, Charlene Marie Curtis

Masters Theses

Behavioral technology has been applied to obesity/weight reduction. Three problems are identified: (1) the discrepancy between the measurement of, and the duration of time required for the acquisition and remediation of obesity and of weight; (2) the consensus of various reviewers that there are a number of methodological deficiencies in experimental studies termed behavioral approaches to obesity/weight reduction; (3) the absence of expressed methodological criteria stated by reviewers for their recommendations of certain procedures. There is compliance to some of the methodological c rite ria of the experimental analysis of behavior as adapted to obesity, and to weight in the …

Completing Long-Term Undergraduate Projects: Some Critical Variables, Timothy K. Zoia

Masters Theses

Completion of long-term academic projects involves large amounts of behavior over long periods of time. Steady rates of task completion may be difficult. This study is concerned with the completion of long-term projects by undergraduates who have received a prestigious university scholarship. Project completion and hours worked were correlated with the amount of supervision that the students received. The correlation between frequent supervisory meetings and completing project on time was significant (r=.70; df=1; P<.001). Suggestions for maintaining steady student performance are offered.

Verbal And Non-Verbal Curricula For Teaching Color Names To Preschool Children, Cynthia A. Wagner

Masters Theses

This study examined the effects of curriculum type on the acquisition and retention of color names. Ten 2 to 3 year old subjects were divided into two experimental groups of five each; subjects were of both sexes and approximately equal language ability . In a modified multiple -baseline design, one experimental group received the verbal curriculum and the other experimental group received the non-verbal curriculum. Data were gathered through regular testing of all subjects. Results indicated that the curricula were equally efficient in teaching color names in their respective modalities; there was no significant difference in the mean number of …

A Comparison Of The Hutchings' “Low-Stress", Fulkerson "Full-Record" And Conventional Addition Algorithms For Speed, Accuracy And Preference With Regular Education Students, John Robert Vanhevel

Masters Theses

The differential calculation power (speed and accuracy) of three different addition procedures were investigated using the Hutchings " Low-stress", Fulkerson "Full-record" and conventional algorithms. The subjects were nine fourth grade students, five female and four male, approximately ten years of age. Elements of both multiple baseline and reversal designs were employed, varying the type of calculation method across phases. After exposure to each algorithm, students were given a choice of methods to use in solving a problem. Results indicated that both the Hutchings "Low-stress" and Fulkerson "Full-record" algorithms were generally superior in producing stable, accurate and efficient calculations. When given …

A Peer-Managed Contract Study Program For High School Students, Jane F. Stinson

Masters Theses

A contract study center was implemented in a high school setting. The center employed peer-tutoring and behavioral contracting procedures. The program was designed to assist students with assigned tasks and to increase the efficiency with which in-school study periods were used. Students either were referred by teachers or volunteered to use the center. The project was implemented for ten weeks on a pilot basis. The results indicated that students used the center extensively and adequately adhered to behavior management requirements. A large proportion of contracts were completed demonstrating that the center procedures were effective in facilitating productivity. Staff evaluations showed …

The Effects Of Total Darkness On Stimulus Control, Richard E. Schulman

Masters Theses

This experiment examined auditory stimulus control in a totally darkened as opposed to an illuminated chamber. All subjects (pigeons) were trained to keypeck in the presence of only a dimly lit green keylight, which was faded until responding was reliably occurring in a totally darkened chamber. When behavior stabilized under a Variable Interval (VI) 30 second schedule of reinforcement in a darkened chamber, subjects were divided into two groups for discriminating training. A Multiple VI 30 second Extinction (EXT) schedule was in effect, with 1-minute components separated by 5-second time-outs. The discriminative stimulus correlated with the VI component was a …

Self-Injurious Behavior: Evaluations Of Controlling Variables And Interventions, Scott Nelson Schrum

Masters Theses

A nested multi-element within a multiple baseline design was used to evaluate potential controlling variables for the self-injurious behavior (SIB) of two severely retarded seventeen-year-old boys. Both subjects had extended histories of SIB which were somewhat unresponsive to prior behavioral programming. For each subject, four variables, attention, escape from a task, sensory stimulation, and mild punishment were evaluated. Results indicated that Subject 1's SIB was controlled by the response produced stimulation. A "package" intervention which included sensory attenuation and punishment procedures was evaluated with Subject 1 and shown to significantly suppress head hitting. A controlling variable was not identified for …

A Comparison Of Behavioral Incentive Systems In A Job Search Program, Louise Smith Rogers

Masters Theses

This research involved a comparison of two approaches for implementing a point system in a job search program, using a between-groups design. The experimental group (a) received precise instructions concerning back-up contingencies, (b) attended weekly feedback sessions, and (c) graphed daily points earned. The control group did none of the above; however, they received the same initial instructions concerning performance standards and point values for behaviors. The control group's instructions included only a vague statement concerning back up contingencies, not directly relating contingencies to point values. The experimental group earned 34% more points. Due to variability in each subject's program …

A Comparison Of Calculation Speed And Accuracy On Two Levels Of Problem Difficulty Using The Conventional And Hutchings’ "Low Stress" Subtraction Algorithms And The Pocket Calculator, Margaret T. Mcglinchey

Masters Theses

This study involved a comparison of three different calculation procedures for solving two different sizes of subtraction problems. A multi-element baseline design was used with three subjects: 2 females and 1 male, whose ages were 9.6, 24, and 8.1, respectively. The calculation procedures were varied randomly within, sessions, and the problem sizes varied randomly across sessions. Dependent measures included rate correct, rate incorrect, and percent accuracy. For all subjects, the conventional algorithm was the fastest calculation procedure. Accuracy data were not as consistent, since they varied across subjects and problem array sizes. Future research in this area might involve larger …

Congruence And Development Of Beliefs And Hierarchic Position Among Institutional Mental Patients, Keith T. Handell

Masters Theses

The institutional mental patient is trained to function within the institutional setting. Relegated to the lowest organizational stratum, the inpatient adjusts his behavior accordingly. The present study was designed to find support for the contention that these institutionally induced changes are internalized. It was expected that (a) evidence of congruence between inpatients' beliefs and their organizational status would be detected, and (b) belief system change as a function of institutional experience would also be discernible. The results generally supported these main hypotheses; however, due to the nature and number of uncontrolled variables, the data are inconclusive. Alternative interpretations of these …

Grade Point Averages And Fraternity Pledging, Janice Lynel Rambo

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Junior Required English Grades Using Expectancy Tables At Central High School, Clifton, Illinois, Richard Lee Longfellow

Masters Theses

Problem:

At Central High School in Clifton, Illinois, students are required to take one of three Junior English classes in order to graduate. These classes are: American Fiction, American Literature Survey, and Modern American Literature. Many times, students would ask their counselor "What are my chances of passing the three different Required Junior English classes?". The counselors would only be able to give a personal opinion that was based on Sophomore English grades and not a substantiated answer.

The problem had two parts. The first part was to determine if a relationship existed between Sophomore English grades and Junior Required …