Date of Award

12-13-2004

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Liberal Studies

First Advisor

Ruth Meese, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Rachel Mathews, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Peggy Tarpley, Ph.D.

Abstract

The focus of this study is to demonstrate that using response cost through applied behavior analysis is an effective treatment for reducing the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. McEntee and Saunders (1997) conducted a study in which response cost was used as an intervention within applied behavior analysis successfully to reduce the stereotypic behaviors in four male individuals with severe or profound mental retardation. An attempt was made to replicate this study and provide further research on the effects of response cost through applied behavior analysis on the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation. There were three male participants between the ages of five and seven in this study who demonstrated stereotypic behaviors. Participant 2 and participant 3 had a label of mental retardation, and participant 1 ha a label of developmental delay. Results showed that response cost as an intervention within applied behavior analysis was effective overall in reducing the stereotypic behaviors of participant 1 and participant 2. Participant 3, however, showed an increase in stereotypic behavior. More research needs to be conducted on a larger group of participants before it can be concluded that response cost is or is not effective in reducing the stereotypic behaviors of individuals with mental retardation between the ages of five and seven.

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