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The results of the current study indicate that engaging in the adapted virtual reality cognitive training program offers the potential for significant gains in cognitive function of the older adults with chronic schizophrenia.

Two studies were conducted to assess and train clinical interviewing skills. In Experiment 1, eight university practicum students ("therapists") and either role played or volunteer "clients" were audiotaped during simulated interviews. Following the collection of baseline data on both therapist and client responses, training was provided by way of written materials, classroom instruction and practice, and quizzes. Results of a multiple baseline design across subjects showed improvements in therapists' interviewing skills and subsequent increases in client responding. Experiment 2 replicated and extended the research to a hospital outpatient clinic, in which therapists interviewed the parents of children with behavior problems. In addition, four months following the completion of Experiment 2, follow-up data collected during a maintenance condition showed continued high levels of therapist and client behavior. Finally, a panel of expert peers indicated that each response category was judged highly relevant to the behavioral assessment process.DESCRIPTORS: behavioral assessment, interviewing, staff trainingThe development and implementation of behavioral treatment programs are often preceded by interviews with clients, their relatives, and other mediators, in which information is sought regarding the focus and goals of intervention. Such assessment interviews are especially common in clinical settings, where the initial contact between therapist and client usually involves some verbal interaction. Although the information obtained in an interview may be of uncertain reliability, it often serves as the basis for further, more systematic inquiry

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We evaluated the effects of minimally supervised, independent recreational activities on stereotypic vocal behavior in two chronic schizophrenic patients. In baseline sessions, subjects were observed during unstructured free time in the psychiatric ward. In treatment sessions, therapists presented preferred recreational materials (magazines, models, and art projects), verbally prompted on-task behavior every 20 min, and, in one condition, administered contingent tokens. Independent recreational activities reduced medium-rate self-talk in one subject and high-rate mumbling in a second subject by 60%-70%. Results were the same with or without contingent tokens. Apparent selfmaintaining characteristics of these vocal responses are discussed.DESCRIPTORS: independent recreational activities, hallucinatory behavior, stereotypic vocalizations, schizophrenic inpatients Repetitive and nondirected vocalizations are among the peculiarities that mark chronic psychiatric patients (Paul & Lentz, 1977). These inappropriate responses have been modified in a few behavioral investigations. Using a 10-min sedusionary time-out, Haynes and Geddy (1973) intermittently punished "hallucinatory" speech in a schizophrenic woman on the hospital ward, reducing it by about half. Alford, Fleece, and Rothblum (1982) Bellack, 1977), and while listening to a radio or watching television (Magen, 1983).Stereotypic behavior in retarded clients is well recognized; one intervention that has been applied with this population consists of presenting recreThe authors thank

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