Related Experiment Videos
Teaching computation/shopping skills to mentally retarded adults
American Journal of Mental Deficiency
|July 1, 1986
Summary
This study shows that adaptive skills training, including computational and shopping skills, significantly improved the abilities of adults with intellectual disabilities. These improvements were maintained long-term and generalized to new environments.
Area of Science:
- Applied Behavior Analysis
- Intellectual Disabilities Research
- Community Psychology
Background:
- Individuals with intellectual disabilities often require targeted interventions to acquire adaptive community skills.
- Assessing and training computational and shopping skills are crucial for community independence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive intervention package for teaching adaptive community skills to adults with intellectual disabilities.
- To assess the generalization and maintenance of learned skills in community settings.
Main Methods:
- A multiple-baseline single-subject design was employed across skills for three adult participants.
- Intervention included instructions, feedback, modeling, self-evaluation, and reinforcement.
- Skills were assessed in both classroom and community (grocery store) settings.
Main Results:
- Skills showed minimal change during baseline but rapid improvement post-intervention.
- Acquired computational and shopping skills generalized to untrained grocery stores.
- Skill gains were maintained at a 2-month follow-up assessment.
Conclusions:
- The applied intervention package is effective in teaching adaptive community skills to adults with intellectual disabilities.
- Generalization and maintenance of skills suggest the intervention's robustness.
- Findings support the use of multi-component behavioral interventions for enhancing community living skills.