Kelly J. Bouxsein, Jeffrey H. Tiger, & Wayne W. Fisher. (2008).
A comparison of general and specific instructions to promote
task engagement and completion by a young man with Asperger syndrome.
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis,
41, 133-116.
Previous research has suggested that the topography of instructions
(general vs. specific) may influence the likelihood that young children
comply with instructions. The purpose of the current study was to compare
the rates of task completion of a young man diagnosed with Asperger
syndrome when provided with general and specific instructions pertaining
to the task. The results showed that specific instructions occasioned higher
levels of task completion, even when no differential reinforcement
contingencies were in place.
DESCRIPTORS: Asperger syndrome, general versus specific instructions, goal setting, on-task behavior