Effects of Training and Token Reinforcement on Cooperative Behaviors with Profoundly and Severely Retarded Adult Subjects

Author

Charlene A. Dreiling, Fort Hays Kansas State CollegeFollow

Department

Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

This pilot study investigated the effect of group training within a token economy system on cooperative behavior in severely and profoundly retarded institutionalized adults. Vineland Social Maturity Scale scores were used to choose eight ward residents who were subsequently assigned to four-member training groups. Group cooperative behavior was defined as passing an object, lifting an object, and group assembling. Frequency of cooperative behaviors reaching the defined criterion generally increased in response to the training-token reinforcement learning combination. Implications of the results obtained in this pilot study appear to indicate this combination may be effective in training heretofore untried tasks with profoundly and severely retarded subjects.

Keywords

People with disabilities, Vineland social maturity scale, Behavior, Cooperation, Norton (Kan.), Investigation, Awards

Advisor

James Ryabik

Date of Award

Fall 1973

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/AUGW4101

Recommended Citation

Dreiling, Charlene A., "Effects of Training and Token Reinforcement on Cooperative Behaviors with Profoundly and Severely Retarded Adult Subjects" (1973). Master's Theses. 1443.
DOI: 10.58809/AUGW4101
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/1443

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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