Abstract
A behavioral setting termed “free time” was identified in the dayroom of an institution for the retarded. The behavioral mapping technique was used to record behavior and spatial use within this setting. A 3-week period was identified in which the second week served as treatment period, and the first and third served as nontreatment periods. The second period consisted of placing novel materials into the dayroom in four conceptually distinct groupings: arts and crafts, games, empty, and lounge. During treatment patients engaged in more active and socially involved behaviors, avoided isolated behaviors and empty dayroom areas, and evidenced adaptive behavior to novel environmental objects. Discussion centers on the treatment implications of these changes, the use of the technique for future studies, and the methodological issues inherent in the procedure.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Barker, R. G. (Ed.).The stream of behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, 1963.
Barker, R. G.Ecological psychology: Concepts and methods for studying the environment of human behavior. Stanford, Calif.: Stanford University Press, 1968.
Barker, R. G., & Schoggen, P.Qualities of human life. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 1974.
Barker, R. G., & Wright, H. F.Midwest and its children. New York: Harper & Row, 1955.
Deno, E. Special education as developmental capital.Exceptional Children, 1970,37, 229–237.
Goffman, E.Asylums: Essays on the social situation of mental patients and other inmates. Garden City, N.Y.: Anchor Books, 1961.
Grossman, H. J.Manual on terminology and classification in mental retardation. Baltimore: Garamound/Pridemark Press, 1973.
Gump, P. V., & Kounin, J. S. Issues raised by “ecological” and “classical” research efforts.Merrill-Palmer Quarterly, 1960,6, 145–152.
Ittelson, W. H., Proshansky, H. M., & Rivlin, L. G. The environmental psychology of the psychiatric ward. In H. M. Proshansky, W. H. Ittelson, & L. G. Rivlin (Eds.),Environmental psychology: Man and his physical setting. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.
Ittelson, W. H., Proshansky, H. M., Rivlin, L. G., & Winkel, G. H.An introduction to environmental psychology. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1974.
Ittelson, W. H., Rivlin, L. G., & Proshansky, H. M. The use of behavioral maps in environmental design. In H. M. Proshansky, W. H. Ittelson, & L. G. Rivlin (Eds.),Environmental psychology: Man and his physical setting. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1970.
Jones, R. R., Vaught, R. S., & Weinrott, M. Time series analysis in operant research.Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1977,10, 151–166.
Rausch, H., Farbman, I., & Llewellyn, L. Persons, setting and change in social interaction.Human Relations, 1960,13, 305–332.
Repp, A. C., Roberts, D. M., Slack, D. J., Repp, C. F., & Berkler, M. S. A comparison of frequency, interval, and time sampling methods of data collection.Journal of Applied Behavioral Analysis, 1976,9, 501–508.
Reynolds, M. A. A framework for considering some issues in special education.Exceptional Children, 1962,28, 366–370.
Rohles, R. H. Environmental psychology: A bucket of worms.Psychology Today, 1967,1, 55–63.
Sells, S. B. An interactionist looks at the environment.American Psychologist, 1963,18, 696–702.
Sells, S. B. Ecology and the science of psychology. In E. P. Willems and H. ausch (Eds.),Naturalistic viewpoints in psychological research. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969.
Sommer, R.Personal space: The behavioral basis of design. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1969.
Sommer, R.Tight spaces: Hard architecture and how to humanize it. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice-Hall, 1974.
Wicker, A. W. Participation in school behavior settings: A test of the frequency of interaction hypothesis.Journal of Educational Psychology, 1969,60, 200–204. (a)
Wicker, A. W. Size of church membership and member's support of church behavior settings.Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 1969,60, 278–288. (b)
Willems, E. P. Sense of obligation to high school activities as related to school size and marginality of student.Child Development, 1967,38, 1246–1260.
Wright, H. F.Recording and analyzing child behavior. New York: Harper & Row, 1967.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Miller, T.L. Behavioral and spatial change in response to an altered behavioral setting. J Nonverbal Behav 3, 23–42 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01114530
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01114530