The current study was designed to evaluate the utility of progressing sequentially from multiple-respondent anecdotal assessments through test-control treatment analysis as an effective and efficient method of identifying the environmental determinants of problem behavior. the goal of the study was to evaluate overall agreement among multiple respondents on the primary function of aberrant behavior using the Motivation Assessment Scale (MAS) and Questions About Behavioral Function (QABF) and, if agreement was obtained, conduct a test-control evaluation to confirm anecdotal assessment findings while simultaneously evaluating the effects of function-based treatment. for 4 individuals, at least 4 of 5 respondents to the anecdotal assessments agreed (both within and across assessments) on the probable maintaining consequence for their problem behaviors. Test-control multielement evaluations were then conducted in which baseline sessions, corresponding to the suspected operant function of each individual’s problem behavior, were alternated with sessions in which the identified contingency was arranged for alternative behavior. Each evaluation showed substantial decreases in problem behavior and maintenance of alternative responses.

Um modelo de controle de qualidade é confiável quando devidamente vinculado a um modelo de dimensionamento de estruturas. O fib Model Code 2010 apresentou um modelo de dimensionamento e controle do concreto reforçado com fibras (CRF) para fins estruturais baseado no ensaio de flexão de prismas com entalhe (EN 14651), mas indica que outros métodos de ensaio podem ser aplicados através de correlação comprovada com o método de referência. Há dificuldades para a utilização do ensaio EN 14651 no Brasil, pois demanda máquinas de ensaio sofisticadas que dificilmente são encontradas em laboratórios de controle tecnológico. O ensaio de duplo puncionamento é um método alternativo para o controle do comportamento mecânico do CRF e utiliza máquinas de ensaio mais simples. No entanto, alguns estudos observaram que podem ocorrer instabilidades após a ruptura da matriz quando são usados CRFs com elevada força da matriz e baixa força residual pós-fissuração. Estas instabilidades ocorrem devido a alguns fatores dentre eles o sistema de controle de ensaio. As instabilidades podem comprometer a avaliação do material. Assim, esta pesquisa estudou os sistemas de controle para o ensaio de duplo puncionamento. Os ensaios foram realizados em máquinas com sistema aberto e fechado e com controle por deslocamento vertical da máquina e deformação do corpo de prova, para verificar se as instabilidades causadas após a fissuração da matriz comprometem a determinação da resistência residual. Os resultados mostraram que, quando os ensaios de duplo puncionamento são realizados em máquinas com sistema aberto, a instabilidade pós-fissuração é maior. No entanto, não influencia negativamente a determinação da resistência residual. Portanto, o ensaio de puplo puncionamento, mesmo realizado em máquinas com sistema aberto, pode ser utilizado como uma alternativa confiável para o controle tecnológico do CRF, estabelecendo como parâmetros de controle valores de forças residuais para determinados deslocamentos verticais. / A quality control model is reliable when properly linked to a structural design model. The fib Model Code 2010 presented a design model of fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) for structural applications where the control of the material is based on the notched beam test (EN 14651). However, this Code indicates that other test methods can be applied as long as proven correlation with the reference method. There are obstacles to the use of the EN 14651 test method in Brazil, as it requires sophisticated testing machines that are difficult to find in laboratories dedicated to quality control. The double punch test is as an alternative test method to control the mechanical behavior of FRC and requires simpler test machines. However, some studies have observed post-peak instabilities in FRC with high matrix strength and low post-crack residual strength low fiber contents are used. These instabilities occur due to some factors including the test control system. The instabilities may compromise the evaluation of the material. Thus, this research studied the control systems for the double punch test. Tests were performed in open and closed-loop test machines and with control by machine displacement and by deformation of the specimen to verify if the instabilities caused after the matrix cracking compromise the determination of residual strength. Results showed that when open-loop test machines are employed, post-crack instability is greater. However, it does not influence the determination of residual strength negatively. Therefore, the double punch test, even when performed in open-loop test machines, may be used for the routine analysis and characterization of FRC, establishing as control parameters residual forces values for certain axial displacement.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether a meal supplement fortified with micronutrients would, statistically, significantly improve the intelligence scores of Grade 3 and 4 learners. The data collection procedures in this study took the form of a pre-test – post-test control group design. The Paper and Pencil Games (PPG) Level 3, a standardised psychological test, was administered before and after the respondents were exposed to the meal supplements. For a treatment period of 16 weeks the experimental group received the meal supplement fortified with micronutrients and the control group the meal supplement without any added micronutrients. Data analysis took the form of statistical analysis to determine whether the meal supplements consumed by those in the experimental group could significantly contribute to improving their intelligence scores. The results indicated statistically significant increases in scores, between the pretest and post-test on the various scales of the PPG, of both the experimental and control group on the one hand, but no statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups on the post-test on the other. The null hypothesis that there are no (statistically significant) differences between the average post-test scores (V, NV, and T) of the experimental and control groups could not be rejected. However, the increase between the pre-test and post-test stanine scores of the two treatment groups has led to recommendations for further research. Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

1 online resource (xii, 171 leaves) : illustrations (chiefly color), color graphs / ADHD negatively impacts academic performance, and the traditional classroom setting conflicts with the symptoms of ADHD. This research examined the potential of teaching through play and peer-teaching as alternative teaching methods to improve the mathematical performance of Grade 1 children with symptoms of ADHD; by answering, would adapting teaching methods to include teaching through play and/or peer-teaching, in the South African classroom, improve the mathematical performance of children with symptoms of ADHD? A pre-test-post-test control group design was employed in this comparative experimental study. Participants were purposively selected then randomly assigned to one of three intervention groups. An eight-week intervention was implemented as teaching through play or peer-teaching. Pre-test and post-test scores were analysed using a dependent t-test, a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test, and a Kruskal Wallis test. Teaching through play and peer-teaching have the potential to improve the mathematical performance of Grade 1 children with symptoms of ADHD. Special precautions were taken in the process of minor research participants, adhering to the ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, justice, and autonomy. / Psychology / M. Sc. (Psychology (Research Consultation))