Journal of applied behavior analysis
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This study examined the percentage time estimates of momentary time sampling against the real time obtained with handheld computers in a natural setting. Twenty-two concurrent observations were conducted in elementary schools by one observer who used 15-s momentary time sampling and a second who used a handheld computer. Results for the six behaviors showed a close correspondence between the momentary time sampling percentage observation intervals and the real time percentage observation time, although 15-s momentary time sampling tended not to sample low-frequency short-duration behaviors. The results confirmed laboratory findings that short-interval momentary time sampling estimates percentage time accurately for a wide range of behavior frequencies and durations, and suggested that observers using momentary time sampling in a natural setting are able to obtain accurate data.
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Prior research has shown that muscle tics can be suppressed by the performance of a competing response contingent on the occurrence of the muscle tics. In an effort to determine whether the topography of the competing response was important to the muscle tic suppressing effects of contingent competing response practice, we evaluated the effects of a competing response that was topographically dissimilar to the muscle tic. ⋯ These results suggest that the topography of the competing response may not be crucial for the suppression of muscle tics. Discrepancies between the objective measures of muscle tics and self-recorded measures are noted and discussed.
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Testicular self-examination (TSE) can lead to early diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer, the third leading cause of death in young men. We evaluated the effectiveness of a brief and specific checklist for teaching TSE skills. Ten men were videotaped while performing testicular self-examinations before and after training. ⋯ Two urological validation measures supported the improvements observed in the mens' self-examinations. Subjects reported continued performance of TSE during a follow-up telephone interview. This pilot study indicates that a brief and specific checklist is an effective strategy for teaching early cancer detection skills.
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Academic behaviors can be enhanced through the manipulation of either consequent or antecedent stimuli. In this study, we evaluated the effects of manipulating two antecedent stimulus events with respect to oral reading errors and self-corrections of four mentally retarded children. Using an alternating treatments design, the effects of previewing the target text and previewing an unrelated test were evaluated against no- previewing. ⋯ Oral reading errors decreased and self-corrections increased when the children previewed the target text with their teacher before reading it orally. No changes were observed as a result of implementing the other two procedures, previewing an unrelated text and no- previewing. The results, which were consistent across all four children, showed that reading proficiency can be increased by manipulating antecedent stimulus events prior to oral reading.
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We describe new methodology for the evaluation of the labor experience and preliminary findings using these methods. The effects of feedback from an Electronic Fetal Monitor on report of contraction onset were evaluated during the labors of eight primiparous women, four of whom had attended childbirth preparation classes. Using a within-subject reversal design, data were gathered across four phases for each woman: no feedback (monitor turned away from mother and coach), feedback, no feedback, and feedback again. ⋯ Seven of the eight women chose to continue monitoring when offered the chance to discontinue it. These results suggest that the technological advance of fetal monitoring can be used in cooperation with prepared childbirth techniques to facilitate earlier recognition of contraction onset, allowing increased preparation for contractions. Further experimental evaluations during labor are suggested.