Task analysis and reinforcement strategies for the mentally disturbed: An interdisciplinary approach to behavioral engineering

An analysis of tasks in a vocational training program was performed by a human factors specialist. Mentally disturbed patients enrolled in the program rated the tasks for importance, difficulty, and frequency of performance. Subsequent to the rating, tasks were assigned a numerical value or points. Individuals then selected tasks based on their own goals and standards. A daily log of the selected work samples was kept by patient self-report. This procedure was conceptualized as a self-reinforcement which was intrinsicallly related to the log keeping process. In addition, multiple generalized reinforcers were used such as need for approval and increased pay for productivity. When patients did well, i.e., made a high score, they were given higher wages and approval. Conversely, when they did poorly, i.e., made a low score, disapproval and criticism were expressed. In either case, daily feedback was provided along with a series of tasks graduated in difficulty, importance and frequency. This patterning of tasks was made possible by the “a priori” usuage of learning principles described by B.F. Skinner. Task analysis and work measurement techniques provided the means to set goals at the start of treatment. This systematic rendering of behavioral engineering in a work setting provided an interdisciplinary approach for changing coping processes in the mentally disturbed.

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Why Speech-Language Clinicians Should Be in the Classroom

Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools ◽

10.1044/0161-1461.2204.277 ◽

1991 ◽

Vol 22 (4) ◽

pp. 277-277 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Sharon L. Wadle

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Task Analysis ◽

Regular Classroom ◽

Classroom Setting ◽

Therapy Room

Lack of training is only an excuse for not collaborating outside of the therapy room. With our present training, speech-language clinicians have many skills to share in the regular classroom setting. This training has provided skills in task analysis, a language focus, an appreciation and awareness of individual differences in learning, and motivational techniques.

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A Response Evocation Program for /ɝ/

Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders ◽

10.1044/jshd.4001.92 ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 92-105 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

Lawrence D. Shriberg

Keyword(s):

Service Delivery ◽

Motor Skills ◽

Task Analysis ◽

Professional Issues ◽

Clinical Experiences ◽

Program Outcomes ◽

Program Step ◽

Skills Learning ◽

Learning Principles

A response evocation program, some principles underlying its development and administration, and a review of some clinical experiences with the program are presented. Sixty-five children with developmental articulation errors of the /ɝ/ phoneme were administered the program by one of 19 clinicians. Approximately 70% of program administrations resulted in a child emitting a good /ɝ/ within six minutes. Approximately 10% of children who were given additional training on program step failures emitted good /ɝ/'s in subsequent sessions. These preliminary observations are discussed in relation to the role of task analysis and motor skills learning principles in response evocation, clinician influences in program outcomes, and professional issues in service delivery to children with developmental articulation errors.

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Passy-Muir Speaking Valve Use in a Children's Hospital: An Interdisciplinary Approach

Perspectives on Voice and Voice Disorders ◽

10.1044/vvd18.2.76 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 18 (2) ◽

pp. 76-86 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Lauren Hofmann ◽

Joseph Bolton ◽

Susan Ferry

Keyword(s):

Tracheostomy Tube ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Extended Period ◽

Speech Development ◽

Tube Placement ◽

Background Information ◽

Speaking Valve ◽

Children's Hospital ◽

Children’S Hospital

Abstract At The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) we treat many children requiring tracheostomy tube placement. With potential for a tracheostomy tube to be in place for an extended period of time, these children may be at risk for long-term disruption to normal speech development. As such, speaking valves that restore more normal phonation are often key tools in the effort to restore speech and promote more typical language development in this population. However, successful use of speaking valves is frequently more challenging with infant and pediatric patients than with adult patients. The purpose of this article is to review background information related to speaking valves, the indications for one-way valve use, criteria for candidacy, and the benefits of using speaking valves in the pediatric population. This review will emphasize the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration from the perspectives of speech-language pathology and respiratory therapy. Along with the background information, we will present current practices and a case study to illustrate a safe and systematic approach to speaking valve implementation based upon our experiences.

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Prophylactic Mastectomy - Evaluation and Treatment of High Risk Patients

Swiss Surgery ◽

10.1024/1023-9332.8.2.45 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 8 (2) ◽

pp. 45-52 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Remmel ◽

Harder

Keyword(s):

Breast Cancer ◽

Breast Cancer Risk ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Risk Reduction ◽

Prophylactic Mastectomy ◽

Interdisciplinary Approach ◽

Reconstructive Procedures ◽

Medline Search ◽

Breast Cancer Risk Reduction ◽

Cancer Risk Reduction

Prophylactic mastectomy is an aggressive strategy for breast cancer risk reduction. The indications and efficiency of this procedures are not yet clearly defined. Randomized, prospective studies, comparing different surgical procedures with other modalities of breast cancer risk reduction are lacking. The report evaluates the existing controversy, based on Medline search in the following sequence: risk factors, possibilities of risk reduction, effectiveness of risk reduction, technical considerations and recommendations. Patient selection is difficult and needs an interdisciplinary approach. The women have to be well informed about all treatment alternatives and various reconstructive procedures. An appropriate risk reduction strategy should be selected individually for each patient. Up to now, there exist only recommendations from different institutions but no definitive guidelines.

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