Drasgow, E., Halle, J. W., & Ostrosky, M. M. (1998).
Effects of differential reinforcement on the generalization of a replacement mand in three children with severe language delays.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
31, 357-374.
We investigated variables that may influence the generalization
of a replacement mand in 3 young children with severe language
delays. A multiple baseline design consisting of one stimulus
class of manding opportunities that we arbitrarily divided into
three categories (i.e., food, toys, and events) was used for each
child. During baseline probes, all children manded mainly by
reaching, grabbing, or leading. We then taught each child a
replacement mand using a single member of the stimulus class.
Acquisition of the replacement mand occurred under highly
restricted conditions in a setting that was completely isolated
from the generalization settings. Postacquisition probes revealed
almost exclusive use of old manding forms. Subsequently,
extinction of the old forms and reinforcement of the replacement
mand were introduced in a sequential fashion. Two children
manifested a substantial increase, and 1 child displayed a
moderate increase in the occurrence of the replacement mand
(i.e., generalization occurred). These results suggest that a
differential reinforcement procedure can alter the probability of
the occurrence of response class members across a variety of
stimulus conditions.
DESCRIPTORS: response class, language, differentialreinforcement,
generalization