Date of Award
12-1990
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Public Affairs and Administration
First Advisor
Dr. Jack L. Michael
Second Advisor
Dr. R. W. Malott
Third Advisor
Dr. Neil Kent
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study assessed the validity of the matching law in an applied setting. It manipulated extraneous reinforcement and measured the rate of rocking in a 24-year-old developmentally disabled man. The resulting data were compared to that predicted by the matching law.
The results were important in three ways: (1) extraneous reinforcement systematically affected rocking in an applied setting in the manner predicted by the matching law, (2) a clinically undesirable behavior decreased in frequency, and (3) this decrease occurred in the absence of direct intervention on the target behavior. Thus, to a slight degree, scientific, practical and humanitarian goals were supported by these results.
Recommended Citation
Skousgard, Kristin Elizabeth, "Applying the Matching Law in a Sheltered Workshop" (1990). Masters Theses. 1078.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/1078