Extensive speech on preferred conversation topics may limit conversations with others. For individuals with ASD, extensive speech on a topic may be a form of restricted or repetitive behavior that may be addressed through skill building. However, previous research suggests that skill building may not be necessary if the behavior is sensitive to differential reinforcement contingencies. To evaluate the effects of differential reinforcement in the form of attention on conversation topics, we replicated the results of Stocco et al. by assessing sensitivity to conversational attention with participant-only topic initiations. Additionally, we extended the procedures by evaluating the effects of topic initiations from the participant and the experimenter (shared initiations). Similar to previous research, our results yielded that speech was sensitive to conversational attention across all participants. That is, differential reinforcement contingencies altered levels of speech on topics of conversation, indicating that differential reinforcement procedures may be sufficient in addressing performance deficits. Lastly, we assessed participant preference for participant-only initiation or shared initiation conversations.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:unt.edu/info:ark/67531/metadc1987139 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Castillo, Michelle Victoria |
| Contributors | Toussaint, Karen, Bergmann, Samantha, Ortu, Daniele, Hood, Stephanie |
| Publisher | University of North Texas |
| Source Sets | University of North Texas |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis or Dissertation |
| Format | Text |
| Rights | Public, Castillo, Michelle Victoria, Copyright, Copyright is held by the author, unless otherwise noted. All rights Reserved. |
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