In an attempt to evaluate the consequences of operant techniques in addition to changes in the target behaviour, an individual-contingent, group-reinforcement program was implemented in a regular classroom. Periods of on-task behaviour by the target child were reinforced by the provision of special activities in which all class members participated. Major results included (a) the effective control of the target child's ontask behaviour, (b) an observed decrease by peers of social interactions with the target child as the study progressed but only during those times when the target child was off-task, and (c) an initial decrease and subsequent recovery in the popularity (as measured by a sociometric questionnaire) of the target child following implementation of the contingency program.
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