Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Auburn University,2006. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographic references (p.114-117).

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The study was an attempt to determine if a significant change in behavior would occur when a "token economy" was instituted on an open ward. Schizophrenic patients in the token system that resided on one ward were compared with control patients on other wards on a number of desired behaviors. Results indicated an overall increase in the frequency of desired responses when the token reinforcement was initiated. The study also suggests some problem areas involved when instituting and maintaining a token economy in a state hospital.

The autistic child typically displays few appropriate behaviors and a host of inappropriate behaviors. The attention span of these children is extremely short and does not permit the child to fixate to any one activity for a significant period of time. Further, Ferster, et al. (1961) have established that autistic children respond to very few reinforcing stimuli. However, some research has indicated that most autistic children respond positively to music and rhythmic sounds. This study assessed the effects of an operant conditioning program using contingent music as a reinforcing stimulus for appropriate block proximity. The subject was an 11-year-old male, one of twins, who was diagnosed autistic. The study utilized a four-phase ABAB design, where A phases were baseline periods, B phases were conditioning periods. In the baseline condition, the subject was observed for six sessions without earphones and six sessions with earphones but no music. In the treatment phase, music was presented contingent upon instances of block proximity. Instances of appropriate block activity significantly increased when the child was wearing the earphones and receiving music contingent upon block activity. Appropriate behavior decreased during a reversal probe. Additionally, self-stimulatory behaviors dropped to near zero during the conditioning phase of the study.

Prior research involving self-efficacy, hardiness, and the stages of exercise behavior change has been limited. This study attempted to determine if differences existed in self-efficacy for exercise, hardiness, and the components of hardiness (control, commitment, and challenge) in individuals at the preparation, action, and maintenance stages of exercise behavior change. Stages of Exercise Behavior Change, Exercise Self-Efficacy, and the Personal Views Survey were used to assess the individuals' stage of exercise behavior, self-efficacy for exercise, hardiness and the components of hardiness levels. The researcher found significant differences in self-efficacy across the three stages of exercise behavior. Specifically, individuals in the preparation, or third stage of change, had significantly lower levels of self-efficacy than those in the action and maintenance stages. The researcher found no significant differences in hardiness, or the components of hardiness, across the preparation, action, and maintenance stages of exercise behavior change. / School of Physical Education