Effects of experimenter surveillance on reactive self-monitoring

Two women with mild and moderate mental retardation self-monitored their work productivity with and without experimenter surveillance. For both subjects, reactive effects of self-monitoring were found without surveillance. However, reactivity was much greater when an observer was present while subjects self-monitored their work output. Reactive effects for one subject did not occur until she experienced surveillance in a previous experimental phase, suggesting that the history of surveillance established the reactivity of self-monitoring. Surveillance is viewed as a setting event that may be an important variable in achieving and maintaining benefits of self-management programs for persons with developmental disabilities.