A behavior modification approach to teaching the retarded or behaviorally disadvantaged child social and learning skills

Behavioristic psychology has developed from the major premise that behavior is controlled by its consequences. This theoretical approach, which is concerned only with those behavioral phenomena that can be observed, has found useful application in numerous therapeutic and educational settings. The purpose of this thesis is to describe the practical application of behavior modification techniques in teaching social and learning skills to retarded or otherwise behaviorally disadvantaged children. The author's work with Dale (a pseudonym), a 10-year-old boy, will be described as an example of the use of behavior modification principles in a real-life situation.