Title

A Group Contingency Program to Improve the Behavior of Elementary Students in a Cafeteria

Authors

Gregory A. Fabiano, State University of New York
William E. Pelham, State University of New YorkFollow
Karen Karmazin, Grand Island Central School District, New York
Joanne Kreher, Amherst Central School District, New York
Carlos J. Panahon, Minnesota State University - MankatoFollow
Carl Carlson, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, North Carolina

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-2008

Abstract

Studies of behavior modification interventions for disruptive behavior in schools have generally focused on classroom behavior with less research directed toward child behavior in other school settings (e.g., cafeterias). The present report documents the effect of a group contingency intervention with a random reward component, targeting disruptive cafeteria behavior. An uncontrolled study of the effect of the group contingency program across the school year suggested substantial behavior improvement after the program started. Two natural treatment discontinuations during the same school year provide further support for the intervention. Both sources of information suggest behavioral improvement in rule-following behavior when the program was actively implemented.

Department

Psychology

Publication Title

Behavior Modification

Recommended Citation

Fabiano, G.A., Pelham, W.E., Karmazin, K, Panahon, C.J., & Carlson, C. (2008). A Group Contingency Program to Improve the Behavior of Elementary Students in a Cafeteria. Behavior Modification, 32(1), 121-132.

DOI

10.1177/0145445507308577

Link to Publisher Version (DOI)

http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0145445507308577

Publisher's Copyright and Source

Copyright © 2008 SAGE Publications. Article published by SAGE Publications in Behavior Modification, volume 32, issue number 1, January 2008, pages 121-132. Available online on December 20, 2007:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0145445507308577