Richard A. Winett

Parameters of Deposit Contracts in the Modification of Smoking

Contingency contracting wherein the reinforcer was the return of some of S’s money deposit effectively eliminated smoking in 2 groups of smokers for the duration of the contract, compared to 2 groups of Ss on a noncontingent money deposit contract. A 2-week maintenance period, part of the contract for 1 of each pair of groups, failed to have any effect. While 3- and 6-month follow-ups indicated substantial relapses in all groups, it was found that low frequency smokers, particularly those in the contingent groups, showed a significant tendency to remain abstinent. Results of the study were discussed in relation to the contracting technique and the general area of behavior modification.

Behavioral ecology: Contingency management of consumer energy use

Monetary incentives were made contingent on reduced energy (electricity and natural gas) use by residential consumers (N = 16) given information on reduction procedures. Reductions in electricity use were significantly greater during a 4-week period by these consumers than by a matched group who received only the information on how to reduce use (N = 15). The two groups did not differ in level of natural gas reduction. Differences between groups in electricity use tended to be maintained at 2-week and 8-week follow-up assessments. The results are discussed in terms of a behavioral ecology framework which specifies functions that behavioral scientists can perform in the area of environmental protection. 24 references, 1 figure.

The Effects of Reinforcing Academic Performance on Social Behavior: A Brief Report

Recent reports suggest that reinforcing academic work alone will not only lead to increased productivity but to more appropriate social behavior in the classroom. These findings were consistent with ideas noted in a review of behavior modification work, which in part sharply criticized behavior modifiers for often reinforcing stillness and quietness in the classroom, as opposed to more meaningful criteria of academic improvement. In the present study children in an extremely disruptive special education classroom were reinforced solely on the basis of their academic work. Results indicated both a large increase in academic productivity and a sharp decline in disruptive behavior. The results of the study are discussed in terms of the issues generated by the reports and review.

The effects of architectural change, individualized instruction, and group contigencies on the academic performance and social behavior of sixth graders ☆

Abstract In this study architectural changes, individualized instruction, and group contigencies placed on academic work were applied to the math and language period of an initially disruptive sixth-grade classroom. Within classroom comparisons indicated that individualized instruction with group contingencies sharply increased the academic production of children from all ability levels, significantly improved social behavior, and changed the teachers mode of instruction and interaction with the children. Individualized instruction alone had lesser effects, while the architectural changes produced no significant changes in the academic or social behavior of the children or in teacher behaviors. Results of the study are discussed in terms of improvement of the intervention procedures, focus on academic programming, and a broadening of the base of behavior modification work.

Mental health treatment and referral practices of clergy and physician caregivers.

Consistent with previous literature, the results of a detailed survey mailed to clergy and physicians from a community known for its longstanding, excellent mental health system indicated extensive treatment and referral of mental health problems by clergy and physicians. Clergy and physicians, though, displayed very limited knowledge of mental health services and personnel, particularly innovative approaches and workers. Receiving mental health training was identified as a key factor, particularly for physicians, in terms of knowledge of services and personnel, referral to a mental health center, and treatment of serious mental health problems. Strategies were, therefore, outlined to provide more accurate information to this natural treatment and referral system.

Disseminating a behavioral approach to energy conservation

The low credibility of psychologists in the area of environmental protection, organizational, and ecological variables, and the importance of proper timing of research proposals must be overcome in order to gain monetary support for research programs on energy conservation behavior. The author relates his experiences in seeking support for a study on the effects of incentives on promoting residential energy conservation. An update of the original article notes that some projects are now funded. Results indicate that incentives and feedback might be effective under moderate temperature conditions, but not under more extreme conditions. The update also emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary work. 21 references.

Behavior Modification And Open Education.

Abstract Behavior modification and open education developed out of quite different traditions, yet both share some common grounds, particularly in their institutional context and their stress on the direct relationship of the classroom environment to a childs behavior. Behavior modification, therefore, offers some procedures and new areas of research that may be applicable to open classrooms. More important, though, is the possibility of merging the technology of behavior modification with the humanistic concerns of open education.

Demographics, attitudes, and behavioral responses to important environmental events

In order to assess energy conservation attitudes and behaviors an Environmental Quality Questionnaire was developed and administered to college and residential respondents at three different times between December 1973 and March 1975. Numerous Respondent-Type, Time, and Time X Type interactions were obtained on various measures of the perceived causes and solutions of energy problems as well as the nature of conservation behaviors that were performed most frequently. The data appear to suggest the need for governmental supports to increase and maintain consumer conservation efforts. These results are discussed with respect to their implications for conservation strategies and the role of the psychologist in their implementation and evaluation.

Chairpersons' and hirees' opinions, knowledge, and experiences with affirmative action guidelines†

Chairpersons and recent hirees at the University of Kentucky were surveyed concerning their knowledge, opinions, and actual experiences with affirmative action guidelines. The responses of both groups suggested the utility of public advertising procedures but pointed toward the lack of clarity in the guidelines for other facets and decisions involved in the hiring process. Chairpersons and hirees varied widely concerning opinions about resentment of the guidelines, reverse discrimination, etc., but both groups generally agreed that affirmative action had made the job market more open. These results were discussed in light of the actual (small) number of women and minority persons hired at this university with the recommendation that greater emphasis be placed on factors involved in early career choice and success.