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Instructions, feedback, and reinforcement in reducing activity levels in the classroom
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
|January 1, 1979
Summary
This study used a biomotometer (an electronic device measuring motor activity with auditory feedback) and rewards to reduce activity levels in emotionally disturbed children. The intervention successfully decreased hyperactivity in most participants.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Psychology
- Educational Technology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Children with emotional disturbances often exhibit high activity levels, impacting classroom learning.
- Effective interventions are needed to manage hyperactivity in educational settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a biomotometer combined with contingent reinforcement in reducing motor activity in emotionally disturbed children.
- To assess the impact of auditory feedback and material reinforcers on children's classroom behavior.
Main Methods:
- An electronic biomotometer was used to measure motor activity and provide auditory feedback.
- Contingent reinforcement (toys/candy) was administered when activity levels decreased by 20% below baseline.
- Non-contingent reinforcement trials were conducted without auditory feedback for comparison.
Main Results:
- The intervention package, including instructions, feedback, and contingent reinforcement, was effective in reducing activity levels for 8 out of 11 children.
- Activity levels increased during the non-contingent reinforcement phase, indicating the importance of feedback and contingent rewards.
Conclusions:
- The biomotometer and contingent reinforcement intervention shows promise for managing hyperactivity in emotionally disturbed children.
- Auditory feedback and contingent rewards are critical components for successful behavior modification in this population.
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01:21Operant Conditioning
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01:23Reinforcement
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Positive reinforcement occurs when a behavior is followed by the presentation of a rewarding stimulus, increasing the frequency of that behavior. For example:
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01:27Punishment
Negative reinforcement and punishment are often confused but serve distinct functions in behavior modification. Reinforcement, whether positive or negative, increases the likelihood of a desired behavior, while punishment decreases it.
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior.
Punishment can be positive or negative. Positive punishment involves adding an undesirable stimulus, such as scolding, to decrease a behavior. Negative punishment involves removing a desirable stimulus, such as taking away a favorite toy, to decrease behavior.
01:21Behavior Modification
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01:24Operant Conditioning Intervention
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