Date of Award
8-2001
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Jack L. Michael
Second Advisor
Dr. James Carr
Third Advisor
Dr. Richard Mallot
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
The pairing of a specific sound (neutral stimulus) with a reinforcer should result in the sound becoming a conditioned reinforcer. When a child produces the same sound, hearing it should function as a form of reinforcement (automatic reinforcement). Previous studies appear to have demonstrated the effectiveness of such a procedure to increase and develop vocalizations in children. The current study attempted to further evaluate the effectiveness of such procedure.
Two experiments involving two and three children diagnosed with autism were conducted. Target responses were one- or two-syllable utterances. Conditions were baseline, control, and positive pairing. Data were collected during presession and postsession observations. During baseline sessions, there was no interaction between participants and experimenter. During control sessions, the experimenter emitted a vocal response and after a period of time presented a preferred item. During pairing sessions, the experimenter's vocal response was paired with the delivery of the preferred item. Results showed a consistent increase in target sounds during postsession observations in the pairing condition for some, not all, participants. Procedural limitations as well as practical and theoretical implications are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Miguel, Caio Flávio, "The Effects of Automatic Reinforcement on Vocal Behavior of Children Diagnosed with Autism" (2001). Masters Theses. 3624.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/3624