Flash cards have been shown to be useful for teaching sight-word reading. To date, the most effective flash-card instruction method is incremental rehearsal (IR). This method involves the instructor interspersing unknown stimulus items into the presentation of known stimulus items. In this study, we compared IR to a modified IR procedure-strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR)-to determine whether the effects of IR might be improved by incorporating variables likely to increase word acquisition. These included increased opportunities to respond to unknown stimuli, using learner responding as a basis for changing instructional items, and systematic prompting methods. An A-B-A-B design was used to compare the effects of IR and SIR for increasing sight-word reading with 4 elementary school students. Results indicated that students read more words correctly with SIR than with IR. In addition, similar patterns of responding were seen at a 2-week follow-up.
This study sought to evaluate whether a one‐trial brief experimental analysis (OTBEA) would reliably and validly identify effective treatments to improve oral reading fluency for 6 elementary school students referred for reading problems. An OTBEA was conducted with each participant to assess the effects of skill‐ and performance‐based treatment components. Following the OTBEA, an extended analysis was conducted using an alternating treatments design to experimentally assess whether predictions generated by the OTBEA would be accurate across sessions, time, and stimulus materials. OTBEA results suggested that 3 participants required a treatment package containing both performance‐based and skill‐based instructional components and that the other 3 participants might only need performance‐based interventions. Results indicate that predictions were accurate for those participants requiring both types of intervention components, but that predictions for the remaining participants met with mixed results in the extended analysis. Results are discussed in terms of further refining brief experimental analysis methods to make them more efficient for educators while ensuring valid results.
Objective
Pediatricians are frequently asked to address parents’ behavioral concerns. Time out (TO) is one of the few discipline strategies with empirical support and is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. However, correctly performed, TO can be a complex procedure requiring training difficult to provide in clinic due to time and cost constraints. The Internet may be a resource for parents to supplement information provided by pediatricians. The present study included evaluation of information on TO contained in websites frequently accessed by parents. It was hypothesized that significant differences exist between the empirically supported parameters of TO and website-based information.
Methods
Predefined search terms were entered into commonly used search engines. The information contained in each webpage (n = 102) was evaluated for completeness and accuracy based on research on TO. Data were also collected on the consistency of information about TO on the Internet.
Results
None of the pages reviewed included accurate information about all empirically supported TO parameters. Only 1 parameter was accurately recommended by a majority of webpages. Inconsistent information was found within 29% of the pages. The use of TO to decrease problem behavior was inaccurately portrayed as possibly or wholly ineffective on 30% of webpages.
Conclusions
A parent searching for information about TO on the Internet will find largely incomplete, inaccurate, and inconsistent information. Since nonadherence to any 1 parameter will decrease the efficacy of TO, it is not recommended that pediatricians suggest the Internet as a resource for supplemental information on TO. Alternative recommendations for pediatricians are provided.
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