An evaluation of three approaches for reducing disruptive behavior in preschool children

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Maria Zakrzewski (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Marilyn Erickson

Abstract: Punishment of undesired behavior and reinforcement of desired behavior are two approaches which can be used to decrease the rate of undesirable behavior. The most common approach in prior research has been reinforcement of desired behavior. The effects of punishment have not been thoroughly assessed in applied settings. Laboratory studies have indicated that a combination of these two approaches, punishment of undesired behavior and reinforcement of desired behavior, might be particularly effective in reducing disruptive behavior. The present study compared three approaches in reducing disruptive behavior in preschool children: verbal reprimands for disruptive behavior, verbal reinforcement of appropriate behavior, and a combination of verbal reprimands for disruptive behavior and verbal reinforcement of appropriate behavior. Twelve five year-old children, three in each of four kindergarten classrooms, served as subjects. The subjects were the three children in each class with the highest rate of disruptive behaviors. Children were assigned to one of the three treatment conditions such that each classroom had one child in each treatment condition.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1974
Subjects
Obesity $x Treatment
Behavior therapy

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