Aversive control measures in the form of punishment and negative reinforcement are widely used in business and other organizations. The purpose of the present study was to systematically evaluate an alternative to aversive control. The effect of a package intervention consisting of a weighted checklist, weekly graphic feedback, and contingent social positive reinforcement in the form of praise was used with a university housing staff to increase duty performance. Five undergraduate Resident Assistants served as participants. A multiple baseline across staff members was used to evaluate the effect of the intervention. Results indicate that the intervention increased performance by an average of 45% and decreased variability in performance. These results suggest that interventions based on feedback and positive reinforcement are effective, cost efficient, and represent a practical alternative to aversive control measures.

While the graduate assistantship experience exists as an opportunity for aspiring professionals to gain practical experience, little research exists regarding one's selfefficacy beliefs related to specific responsibilities of an assistantship. This study of assistant residence hall directors at Ball State University aided seasoned Student Affairs professionals as they trained, supervised and mentored graduate students. Four first-year and four second-year assistant residence hall directors and three full-time residence hall directors, who were alumni of the graduate program and assistantship at the University were interviewed during April of the Spring 2004 semester. The researcher created an interview guide using Bandura's (1977) concept of self-efficacy. The researcher and later an unbiased individual identified themes within the data and offered recommendations for the application of the findings as well as recommendations for possible future studies. / Department of Educational Studies