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Verbal versus tangible reward for children who stutter
The Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders
|February 1, 1976
Summary
This study found that both tangible and verbal rewards effectively improved speech in young children who stutter. The chosen rewards and clear instructions were key factors in the positive reinforcement outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Behavioral Psychology
- Pediatric Therapy
Background:
- Previous research indicated tangible rewards are effective for modifying stuttering in children.
- The comparative efficacy of tangible versus verbal reinforcement for stuttering modification remained unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative effectiveness of tangible and verbal positive reinforcement in young children who stutter.
- To compare two forms of positive reinforcement for speech modification in pediatric stuttering.
Main Methods:
- Employed a single-subject design with three young children who stutter.
- Included base rate, experimental (verbal instructions, self-selected reinforcers), and carry-over sessions.
- Utilized both verbal and tangible reinforcement strategies.
Main Results:
- Both verbal and tangible reinforcement strategies were equally effective in modifying the speech of the participating children.
- Observed significant speech modification across all subjects regardless of reinforcement type.
Conclusions:
- The effectiveness of both reward types may stem from subject selection of reinforcers, reinforcement of clear behaviors, and subject awareness of the contingency.
- Suggests that personalized reinforcement strategies are crucial for pediatric stuttering intervention.