Abstract
An avoidance procedure was utilized in an attempt to reduce the long latencies of verbal responding in a mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed adolescent to a set of 5 Peabody Picture Vocabulary Cards. The results indicated that latencies could be shortened appreciably by the avoidance paradigm, and the resultant shortened latencies could be maintained by a reinforcement procedure. Follow-up, 47 days after termination of the experiment, demonstrated durability of the effects. Generalization was shown to occur to cards not previously employed in an experimental manipulation and to a different therapist.
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References
AMERICAN GUIDANCE SERVICE, INC. 1968. Peabody language development kits. Circle Pines, Minn.: American Guidance Service.
DUNN, L. M. 1965. Peabody picture vocabulary test: Expanded manual. Circle Pines, Minn.: American Guidance Service.
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The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Jack Michael’s invaluable aid in preparing the introduction and his editorial assistance. Appreciation is also expressed to Drs. Robert P. Hawkins and Paul Mountjoy, with special thanks to James H. Kaye, Program Director, K.V.I.S.D., Title VI Program for the Multiply Handicapped.
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Spiro, S.H., Shook, G. Reduction of Long Latency Verbal Responding in a Multiply Handicapped Adolescent Utilizing an Avoidance-Positive Reinforcement Procedure. Psychol Rec 23, 383–389 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394182
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03394182