Master's Theses

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

This study was designed to test the adequacy of the P-Hypothesis when applied to two retardates. Two additional retardates of comparable age and IQ were selected to serve as controls. The control Ss allowed a comparison to be made between a more traditional form of reinforce and the Premack HPB. It was hypothesized that the independent rate of a simple motor response (stringing buttons) possessed by two retardates could be significantly increased by making a HPB contingent upon that simple motor task. Experimental Ss were reinforced extra minutes of rest break (HPB) for threading additional buttons above their base-rates whereas the control Ss were reinforced with soda pop for their additional buttons. Highly inconsistent results were found within the experimental and control groups with the result that no statement could be made either supporting or rejecting the P-Hypothesis. The inconsistent results were accounted for in terms of individual difference possessed by the Ss in the study.

Advisor

John D. King

Date of Award

Fall 1969

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

Rights

© The Author(s)

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