Date of Award

8-1990

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. M. Michele Burnette

Second Advisor

Dr. William Redmon

Third Advisor

Dr. C. Richard Tsegaye-Spates

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of three strategies to enhance generalization of taught conversational skills: (1) multiple and varied scenarios, (2) multiple conversational partners, and (3) homework assignments. A multiple baseline across behaviors design tested whether the initial training package produced generalization to the probe sessions and whether the addition of homework would produce greater generalization to the probe sessions compared to that observed during the initial training. Four adults, one male and three female, ranging in age from 20-64 years served as subjects. Skills were taught using a combination of coaching, modeling, behavioral rehearsal, feedback, and social praise. The hypothesis that the use of multiple conversational partners and multiple/varied scenarios during roleplaying would enhance generalization was not consistently supported. The addition of homework assignments plus maintenance training did not consistently increase generalization either.

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