Comparisons of procedures for modifying question-asking behavior of mildly retarded children

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

Abstract: Questioning is one form of information-seeking behavior. Skinner (1957) has classified question-asking behavior as a mand. As such, a question specifies its own reinforcer, which is the answer. For example, the question, "What is your name?" is reinforced by the answer, "My name is Andy." Making additional reinforcing consequences contingent upon question-asking should also tend to increase the rate of the target response class. An alternative viewpoint on questioning behavior is proposed by Allender (1969) who writes that 'search behavior' is maintained by intrinsic factors. This theory seems to indicate that manipulating consequent events to questioning would not influence the rate of the behavior. The early research on questioning behavior with children consisted primarily of observational studies (Piaget, 1926; Yamamoto, 1962). Yamamoto (1962) has shown that with children the rate of questioning tends to increase with age. Stirling (1937) found that the rate of questioning behavior was positively correlated with IQ level.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1973
Subjects
Children with mental disabilities $x Behavior modification
Children with mental disabilities $x Education

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