The Effect of a Darkness Contingency Upon Cooperative Play in Young Children

Author

Donald H. Fast, Fort Hays Kansas State College

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The experiment examined the effect of a darkness contingency upon cooperative and noncooperative play. The study was divided into four phases: first baseline, first experimental, extinction, and second experimental sessions. During the experimental sessions, noncooperative play by the subjects, who were two four-year-old girls, resulted in the lights being turned off in the playroom. The lights out remained in effect for ten seconds beyond the cessation of noncooperative play and/or the initiation of silence. Cooperative play increased significantly during the treatment sessions. The results suggest that contingent darkness is an aversive stimulus, which may be an effective deceleration procedure when used in play therapy settings.

Keywords

Behavior modification, Girls, Light and darkness, Experiments, Mental states, Play, Fort HaysState University, Ellis County (Kan.)

Advisor

James Ryabik

Date of Award

Spring 1970

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/ORHF1046

Recommended Citation

Fast, Donald H., "The Effect of a Darkness Contingency Upon Cooperative Play in Young Children" (1970). Master's Theses. 1281.
DOI: 10.58809/ORHF1046
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1281

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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