An evaluation of labeling-then-doing with moderately handicapped persons: acquisition and generalization with complex tasks

J Appl Behav Anal. 1988 Winter;21(4):369-80. doi: 10.1901/jaba.1988.21-369.

Abstract

We conducted two experiments in which moderately mentally retarded persons were trained first to label and then to enter characters into a computer, calculator, or checkbook (label-then-do) within a multiple baseline design. In Experiment 1, 5 young adults were trained to enter statistical programs into computers in an office setting. Following training, all subjects' use of verbal labels and key-entry skills generalized across tasks (programs) and settings (offices and computer terminals). In Experiment 2, 3 junior high school students were trained with self-labeling procedures to complete a key-entry task and to balance a checkbook. The performance of all students generalized across tasks and settings, and the use of labels generalized for 2 of the students. Results are discussed relative to mediated generalization and to establishing verbal control over behavior.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Generalization, Psychological
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / rehabilitation*
  • Learning
  • Male
  • Rehabilitation, Vocational / methods
  • Task Performance and Analysis*
  • Verbal Behavior*