A Comparison of General Case in Vivo and General Case Simulation plus in Vivo Training

This study examined the relative effectiveness and efficiency of general case in vivo and general case simulation plus in vivo training in teaching six students with moderate and severe disabilities to purchase drink and food items in fast-food restaurants. General case in vivo training consisted of instruction in three fast-food restaurants located near the students' school. General case simulation plus in vivo training alternated classroom training with training in a single restaurant. Generalization was assessed in three novel restaurants. Results indicated that both strategies led to reliable performance in nontrained settings. However, students who received general case in vivo instruction required fewer training trials to criterion, made fewer errors to criterion, and required less training time to criterion than students who received general case simulation plus in vivo training. In addition, the overall costs of general case in vivo instruction were lower than the costs of the general case simulation plus in vivo training. The results are discussed in terms of the implications for teachers in designing instructional programs to teach generalized performance of community skills.

Effect of “In Vivo” Training on Experimental Desensitization of a Phobia

2 groups of Ss were treated for phobic reaction to snakes with the method of desensitization based on reciprocal inhibition. The group which received “in vivo” training with the phobic object, in addition, achieved a greater relative change than the group which did not ( P < .05). Both groups combined showed significant change following therapy.