Abstract
Two contingency systems, individual and group, were evaluated for their effects on children's behavior during small group meetings. Fortyeight children, ages 8 through 14, attended a 7-week residential camp program operated on a token economy system. Ratings of the campers' behavior were made by the counselors on a 5-point rating scale at the daily meetings. Each camper received both contingency programs, in counterbalanced order. Data were gathered during baseline, two feedback and two treatment phases. An analysis of variance for repeated measures was performed on the mean weekly camper scores. The two systems were equally effective in significantly increasing the amount of desirable behavior, and there was no effect on behavior due to feedback alone. The results are discussed in terms of advantages and disadvantages of each type of contingency system, with some suggestions made regarding areas of further investigation.
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This study was based on a dissertation submitted to the University of South Carolina, December 1977, in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Ph.D. degree. The author would like to express appreciation to Dr. Robert Deysach and Dr. Ann Garner for their helpful comments on earlier versions of this manuscript.
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Hughes, H.M. Behavior change in children at a therapeutic summer camp as a function of feedback and individual versus group contingencies. J Abnorm Child Psychol 7, 211–219 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00918901
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00918901