Teaching Two Children Diagnosed With Autism To Tolerate Physical Contact,
2017
Western Michigan University
Teaching Two Children Diagnosed With Autism To Tolerate Physical Contact, Kelsey Webster
Honors Theses
It was hypothesized that the fading in of a prompt hierarchy coinciding with the delivery of tangibles, edibles, and attention or praise reinforcers would decrease problem behavior and noncompliance in two male children with autism who displayed problem behavior and resistance while being physically prompted. A single-subject research design was used to present the prompt hierarchy across various conditions in a school setting. Both participants initially engaged in problem behavior on 100% of the trials but quickly reduced in intensity of problem behaviors by the end of the intervention. There is no current research conducted on how to decrease problem …
Teaching Imitation To Children With Autism Using Most-To-Least Prompt Fading In Front Of A Mirror,
2017
Western Michigan University
Teaching Imitation To Children With Autism Using Most-To-Least Prompt Fading In Front Of A Mirror, Giulia Avelar
Honors Theses
Children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder have difficulty acquiring imitative skills, which may serve as an important factor in developing social skills and language (Miller et al., 2015; Ledford & Wolery, 2010; Young et al., 1994). Research has shown that most-to-least prompting is most effective for children who do not learn quickly (Libby et al., 2008). The goal of this study was to discover whether the presence of a mirror affected the rate of acquisition of imitative behaviors compared to a no-mirror condition, using most-to-least within-session prompt fading. This study used a multiple baseline design across sets of behaviors. Sets …
Toilet-Training A Child With Autism In A School Setting,
2017
Western Michigan University
Toilet-Training A Child With Autism In A School Setting, Kristianna Ferrier
Honors Theses
Children with autism and developmental disabilities typically take longer to learn skills. Specific training that requires more repetition to obtain mastery should be used to teach specific tasks (MacDuff, Kratz, & McClannahan, 2001). Toilet training is no exception and must be directly taught to children with Autism. Toilet training is a fundamental skill for independent living and greatly reduces the work load of care givers (Chung, 2007). The child in this study was chosen based on a toilet training readiness checklist. The present study is a combination of the scheduled sitting protocol by Azrin and Foxx (1971) with the omission …
Increasing Shared Attention In Children With Developmental Delays,
2017
Western Michigan University
Increasing Shared Attention In Children With Developmental Delays, Shelby Esman
Honors Theses
Joint attention behaviors may be essential to the development of language and social interaction skills (Whalen and Schreibman, 2003). Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often lack these behaviors which may explain the difficulty many of them have communicating appropriately with others (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Previous research has shown that prompting procedures and social reinforcement have been successful in teaching children with ASD to shift their eye gaze between an adult and the object of interest when prompted to do so (Taylor and Hoch, 2008). This present study set out to create and test a procedure designed to teach …
Culture Of Gentleness: A Behavioral Approach,
2017
Western Michigan University
Culture Of Gentleness: A Behavioral Approach, Stevie Parcell
Honors Theses
The purpose of this paper is to explain the fundamentals of an ideological framework for caregivers providing services to people with disabilities called a Culture of Gentleness. The material is traditionally taught within the two-day Working with People training, and the efforts to spread this theory is headed by the Center for Positive Living Supports located in Clinton Township, Michigan. The material is then analyzed through a behavior analytic perspective. Each segment of the initial training will be discussed through both a Culture of Gentleness and behavioral perspective, rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis. Although established in the practice of Positive …
The Effectiveness Of Music Therapy To Reduce Agitation Among Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease,
2017
Western Michigan University
The Effectiveness Of Music Therapy To Reduce Agitation Among Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease, Caroline Mazon
Honors Theses
According to the Alzheimer’s Association (2016), Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is diagnosed every 66 seconds resulting in this disease being the 6th leading cause of death in the United States. Among other signs and symptoms, agitation is one of the most challenging symptoms that patients and caregivers must try to control using nonpharmacological therapies or prescribed pharmacological treatments. Among many professions, music therapy has been used to specifically lower the levels of agitation in AD patients. Live music, “sing a long’s”, using instruments, and listening to a song of the patients’ choice have all been shown to reduce agitation behaviors …
Teaching A Scanning Response To A Child With Autism,
2017
Western Michigan University
Teaching A Scanning Response To A Child With Autism, Katherine Burnham
Honors Theses
Children with autism have been known to exhibit abnormal scanning responses, or lack them entirely, as shown by the results of various studies (Sasson et al., 2008; Landry & Bryson, 2004). Studies have indicated that scanning may be a behavioral cusp and the lack of a normal scanning response in children with autism may be inhibiting the acquisition of many other subsequent skills (Bosch & Fuqua, 2001). By implementing an intervention to teach the scanning response, it was hypothesized that our participants would develop the prerequisite scanning skill, and therefore performance on a matching-to-sample procedure would improve. Through a basic …
Appraising Positive Aspects Of Shared History Through Contact- A Preliminary Model Of Reconciliation Among Hindus And Muslims Of The Kashmir Valley,
2017
Ambedkar University, New Delhi, India
Appraising Positive Aspects Of Shared History Through Contact- A Preliminary Model Of Reconciliation Among Hindus And Muslims Of The Kashmir Valley, Sramana Majumdar Dr
Peace and Conflict Studies
The long-standing political conflict in the Kashmir Valley has resulted in identity based polarization and subsequent displacement of communities. Reconciliation between Hindus (also known as Pandits) and Muslims is viewed as an important step in any sustainable effort towards conflict resolution and peacebuilding in the Valley. This paper begins by examining the much debated territorial and cultural concept of ‘Kashmiriyat’ and instead proposes an alternative lens that emphasizes on shared history as opposed to common identity. We approach reconciliation through a socio-psychological lens by examining the role of a shared cultural past and historical coexistence- or simply put as shared …
Using An Inclusive Restricted Interest Group To Improve Social Skill Accuracy In Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Using An Inclusive Restricted Interest Group To Improve Social Skill Accuracy In Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder, Hillary Y. Jenkins
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
There are a number of evidenced-based practices which aim to improve the social skills of children with high functioning autism (HFA). An emerging field of study is to develop social skills interventions that incorporate restricted and repetitive interests to increase social skills. Their results are promising and suggest improved social skills in students with HFA. The current study has aimed to incorporate a common interest among elementary age children with HFA in social skill instruction within a structured setting. A multiple baseline across behaviors single subject design was used to collect data on the accuracy with which two young males …
Examining The Effect Of Expatriate Narcissism Levels On Cultural Adjustment And Global Leadership Effectiveness,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Examining The Effect Of Expatriate Narcissism Levels On Cultural Adjustment And Global Leadership Effectiveness, Emily M. Martin
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between narcissism, cultural adjustment, and leadership of expatriates. Specifically, it was predicted that cultural adjustment would partially mediate the relationship between narcissism and selfperceptions of leadership effectiveness such that narcissism would be negatively related to cultural adjustment, and cultural adjustment would be positively related to selfperceptions of leadership effectiveness. It was also predicted that cultural adjustment would partially mediate the relationship between narcissism and LMX perceptions such that narcissism would be negatively related to cultural adjustment, and cultural adjustment would be positively related to LMX perceptions. Fifty-three participants completed an …
Noncontingent Reinforcement And Decreasing Problem Behaviors With Students With Special Needs And Its Effect On Teacher Behavior,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Noncontingent Reinforcement And Decreasing Problem Behaviors With Students With Special Needs And Its Effect On Teacher Behavior, Leah D. Pritchett
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
A pilot study of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) was conducted using NCR statements to (a) decrease target behaviors, (b) increase unprompted praise statements from the teacher and decrease reprimands, and (c) increase proximity to the participants by the teacher implementing NCR. Data were collected using a single-subject research design on two participants and one teacher. The target behaviors were physical and verbal aggression and inappropriate gestures. Teacher behaviors targeted with this study were praise statements, reprimands, and proximity to students. The participants included were one 16-year-old student with an emotional behavior disability, one 18-year-old student identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) …
Intercollegiate Athlete Perceptions Of Justice In Team Disciplinary Decisions,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Intercollegiate Athlete Perceptions Of Justice In Team Disciplinary Decisions, Jared M. Diaz
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The present study examined justice perceptions of an intercollegiate athlete who was punished for a team rule violation outside of competition. This scenario study is a modified replication of Severs’ (2009) study on justice perceptions of intercollegiate athletes; one additional factor, importance of the next competition, was examined in the current study. Perceptions of fairness and perceptions of likelihood of deterring future misconduct were examined using a factorial design with two levels of punishment severity (severe and moderate), two levels of misconduct severity (severe and moderate), two types of punishment distribution (consistent and conditional), and two types of game importance …
The Effects Of Provided Powerpoint Presentations On Student Perceptions Of Personal Responsbility,
2017
Western Kentucky University
The Effects Of Provided Powerpoint Presentations On Student Perceptions Of Personal Responsbility, Sarah Elizabeth Mannon Cravero
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Psychologists have examined the effects of numerous variables on classroom performance, but little research exists to demonstrate how specific teaching techniques, specifically the provision of printed presentation notes (such as presentation slides), affects student perception of responsibility. This study sought to discover the impact that providing presentation slides for use during lecture would have on students’ performance, as well as their perceptions of personal responsibility. In order to determine the effects of provided presentation notes on performance and perceived responsibility, this study examined the self-efficacy and locus of control of students assigned to either take their own notes or to …
An Examination Of The Incremental Validity Of The Serve-Specific Core Self-Evaluation Scale Over The Core Self-Evaluation Scale In Predicting Serve Performance,
2017
Western Kentucky University
An Examination Of The Incremental Validity Of The Serve-Specific Core Self-Evaluation Scale Over The Core Self-Evaluation Scale In Predicting Serve Performance, Joshua S. Bowman
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
This study examined the relationship of the serve-specific core self-evaluation scale (SS-CSES) with serve performance of inter-collegiate volleyball athletes. The SSCSES is a modified version of the core self-evaluations scale (CSE). It was hypothesized that SS-CSES would be related to serve performance, that SS-CSE would be more related to serve performance than CSE, and that SS-CSE would have incremental validity over CSE when predicting serve performance. Responses to the two scales and selfassessments of server performance were collected online through self-report questionnaire. Additionally, NCAA serve statistics were collected by the researchers. Results indicated that SS-CSE was a stronger predictor of …
Attachment As Affirmation To Inhibit Health Risk Information Avoidance,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Attachment As Affirmation To Inhibit Health Risk Information Avoidance, Elizabeth C. Mccrary
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
Previous research on information avoidance has revealed that people choose to avoid negative health information, but that this effect is interrupted by self-affirmation (Howell & Shepperd, 2013). The current study aimed to contribute to the field’s understanding of the conditions under which self-affirmation reduces information avoidance by using a unique affirmation: secure attachment figures. I hypothesized that activating a secure attachment would serve as the affirmation necessary for participants to choose to view their risk information for a fictitious enzyme deficiency. However, when given a choice, participants in both the experimental and control conditions chose to view this information. At …
Signing To Maintain Joint Attention With Children With Down Syndrome,
2017
Western Kentucky University
Signing To Maintain Joint Attention With Children With Down Syndrome, Rachel Dauer Burns
Masters Theses & Specialist Projects
The current study examined the role of two different methods of sign presentation on signed and spoken language acquisition of toddlers aged two to four years with Down syndrome (DS). The aim of this study was to determine if a method commonly used by native signers/Deaf mothers (referred to in this study as signing to maintain joint attention (SMJA)) was more effective than the method commonly used by hearing mothers and speech-language pathologists (referred to in this study as the triangular method of signing). Both methods were compared in a within-subject design for effects on the participants’ total number of …
Using Auditory Extinction Cues To Mitigate Resurgence,
2017
Florida Institute of Technology
Using Auditory Extinction Cues To Mitigate Resurgence, Samuel Shvarts
Theses and Dissertations
Resurgence is a laboratory model of treatment relapse revealing the effects of treatment-integrity errors on problem behavior eliminated through treatment with differential reinforcement of alternative behavior (DRA). This study took a translational approach to assess the effects of an auditory extinction cue (e-cue) to mitigate resurgence of target responding in children with autism using arbitrary responses to simulate target and alternative responding. The auditory cue was a recorded praise statement introduced in Phase 2 and remained in one of the test conditions in Phase 3. In 8 of 12 resurgence test comparisons (with and without the e-cue), responding was mitigated …
Evaluating Preference Stability Among Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease,
2017
Rollins College
Evaluating Preference Stability Among Individuals With Alzheimer’S Disease, Sabrine Maali
Thesis Projects
In the behavior-analytic field, preference assessments are conducted to determine specific items to use as reinforcers to reduce aberrant behavior as well as increase appropriate behavior. We examined the consistency of preference-assessments results among individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) to ensure effective reinforcers are used in behavioral interventions. Specifically, we examined if identified reinforcers remained consistent for individuals with AD throughout the study or if preferences shifted. The experimental procedure consisted of a series of multiple-stimulus preference assessments without replacement (MSWO); data were analyzed for preference shifts. Results showed variability with one individual’s preferences, whereas the other individual’s preferences remained …
Understanding The Experiences Of Women With Anorexia Nervosa Who Complete An Exposure Therapy Protocol In A Naturalistic Setting,
2017
Old Dominion University
Understanding The Experiences Of Women With Anorexia Nervosa Who Complete An Exposure Therapy Protocol In A Naturalistic Setting, Gina B. Polychronopoulos
Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations
Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a serious mental health concern in the United States, with the highest mortality rate of all mental disorders. Females comprise the vast majority of people with AN, although the number of males with the condition is rising. Anorexia Nervosa has a high relapse rate and is often enduring, which makes it challenging to treat successfully; therefore, the mental health profession is in need of innovative therapeutic approaches. Exposure therapy has a growing evidence base for the treatment of eating disorders, including AN; however, there are very few studies that explore body image/mirror exposure specifically in patients …
The Influence Of Training Procedures On Generalization Performance In Scent-Detection Rats,
2017
Western Michigan University
The Influence Of Training Procedures On Generalization Performance In Scent-Detection Rats, Erin Watkins
Dissertations
The global illicit trade in tobacco products leads to an overall increase in the availability of tobacco, and this increase in tobacco availability and consumption undermines effective health, safety, and taxation policies in place to protect current and future populations. Dogs working at ports and customs have been trained to detect tobacco products and research has shown rats can detect tobacco-soaked filters (Mahoney et al., 2014). Cigarette smoking is the most common form of tobacco use, and cigarettes are the most commonly trafficked product in the illicit tobacco trade. In the current study, rats were trained to respond to filter …
