Overcorrection, Modeling, and Reinforcement Procedures for Reinstating Speech in a Mute Boy

Abstract

A 9-year old boy who had not spoken for three years was treated using overcorrection, modeling and reinforcement. The experimental design was a multiple baseline across five target behaviors with a reversal of treatment conditions which differed in terms of the therapist doing training and the environment in which trainging occured. This desing allowed for an analysis of the stimulus control of the treatment procedures as well as an analysis of changes in target behaviors due to variations in the treatment conditions. It was found that overcorrection, instructions, information feedback, modeling, and reinforcement were readily effective for reinstating speech, but that no generalization to other therapists occured until the second therapist began applying the treatment procedures. Additional generalization to speaking words not specifically trained, to persons who had not been providing treatment, occured in the latter stages of the study on the ward. These positive changes resulted after generalization to one additional therapist and treatment situation had been established. In addition, generalization and maintenance of results were still evident on the ward at the conclusion of a 2-month follow-up.