Date of Award

8-1980

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Howard Farris

Second Advisor

Dr. Joetta Long

Third Advisor

Dr. Galen Alessi

Fourth Advisor

Dr. Dan Moore

Abstract

Part I consisted of training four kindergarten subjects to make eye contact, assertive comments and assertive actions in reference to social and health-related situations. Training occurred on a one-to-one basis with an adult female and results were assessed with a multiple baseline design. Skill acquisition and maintenance were assessed by measuring ratio of eye contact to speech duration, assertive content and assertive actions on training scenes. Generalization of social skills was assessed by means of: (1) similar, but untrained scenes, (2) choice tests between products with and without sugar, (3) in vivo tests in the school and home environment, (4) pre and posttest ratings on the Jesness Behavior Rating Scale. Results indicated significant gain and maintenance at two and four month follow-ups on training scene responses. Generalization tests showed moderate to high transference of skills.

Part II involved small and large group training of health-related facts and concepts. Health units consisted of: (1) Sugarfree products versus sugar products, (2) harmful substances, (3) exercise and rest. Assessment consisted of a 20 item test administered as a pre and posttest. Choice tests were also given between substances with and without sugar. Results showed a significant increase and maintenance at two and four month follow-ups. Choice tests, in general, indicated a change in preference from sugar substances to sugarfree ones.

Access Setting

Dissertation-Open Access

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