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| Int'l Symposium - Division 25 of APA Award Presentations - Done Hake, Basic Research, and Dissertation Awards |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 4:00 PM–5:20 PM |
| Fairfax A |
| Area: EAB/TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Cathleen C. Piazza (Marcus Institute) |
| Discussant: Cathleen C. Piazza (Marcus Institute) |
| Abstract: . |
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| Translational Behavior Analysis: Bridging Between the Laboratory and the Classroom |
| WILLIAM J. MCILVANE (E.K. Shriver Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School) |
| Abstract: I will describe a longstanding program of basic research directed at developing the scientific basis for a technology for teaching persons with intellectual disabilities and limited language. The work is translational in a number of dimensions, as follows: (1) Problems selected derive directly from problems observed in the classroom. (2) The work has an interdisciplinary character; behavior analytic themes are merged with other complementary perspectives from other behavioral and information sciences. (3) The application potential of the work is an ongoing consideration. During the presentation, I will try to articulate the many issues that must be considered in any translational behavior analysis. I will also present several examples of scientific and/or clinical problems that may require a translational approach. Finally, I will discuss practical strategies for sustaining and completing the translational research process whereby the behavioral scientist may be intimately involved in the ultimate application of his or her work. |
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| Choice Behaviour: Short- and Longer-term Effects of Reinforcers |
| JASON LANDON (University of Auckland) |
| Abstract: Behaviour was analysed at a number of levels in two series of concurrent-schedule experiments. In the first, six or seven concurrent-schedule components, each of which could have a different reinforcer ratio in it, were arranged in each session. In the canonical arrangement these components were separated by 10-s blackouts. Across conditions, the reinforcer ratios arranged in components were varied. The overall rate of reinforcement was constant throughout, and each condition was in effect for 50 sessions. The second series of experiments used a conventional switching-key concurrent-schedule procedure in which a single reinforcer (or reinforcer-magnitude) ratio was in effect for 65 sessions. Experiment 1 showed that behaviour adjusted very quickly to the rapidly changing contingencies. Sensitivity to reinforcement reached higher levels when the range of reinforcer ratios arranged was greater. Experiment 2 showed that the local effects of reinforcers evident in Experiment 1 were also present in steady-state data. The present data question the commonly held assumption that behaviour is controlled by large aggregations of reinforcers. An increased focus on detailed data collection using relatively standard manipulations of reinforcer frequency, magnitude, and other independent variables that are known to affect choice, is recommended. |
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| Behavioral Research and the Gifts of a Fortuitous Environment |
| JOSEPH V. BRADY (Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine) |
| Abstract: Much in the way of environmental chance determines what happens to each of us, what we do about it, and what we become in the way of having an effect upon that environment – our so-called accomplishments and/or achievements. As a result, much of the credit for the sort of thing that this award is all about tends to be misplaced – we are inclined to give and take too much credit (as well as blame of course) as individuals when the source of much that is applauded lies elsewhere –i.e., in the chancy environment. All sorts of chance opportunities present themselves to the individual whose chance environment has made it possible to learn and develop some methods and procedures for not only recording and measuring behavior quantitatively but even on occasion modifying it to suit selected purposes. For the purpose of highlighting some the chance environmental occurrences that had the greatest influence upon the events that gave rise to my presence here to accept this most coveted award, the timelines that started with my efforts to make the ‘World Safe For Democracy’ in the early 1940’s seem most pertinent. |
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