MULTIPLE EFFECTS OF A PROCEDURE TO INCREASE SITTING IN A HYPERACTIVE, RETARDED BOY¹

A prompting and differential reinforcement procedure was used to increase sitting in a hyperactive, retarded boy in a remedial preschool, which suggested that preschool programs can be designed that will treat several behaviors simultaneously in order to maximize a teacher's effectiveness.

Abstract

A prompting and differential reinforcement procedure was used to increase sitting in a hyperactive, retarded boy in a remedial preschool. This procedure not only increased sitting, but had the additional effects of decreasing posturing while leaving normal walking unaffected, and increasing the use of toys and proximity to children. All of these changes can be considered socially desirable effects of the sitting program. The results suggest that preschool programs can be designed that will treat several behaviors simultaneously in order to maximize a teacher's effectiveness.