Association for Behavior Analysis International

The Association for Behavior Analysis International® (ABAI) is a nonprofit membership organization with the mission to contribute to the well-being of society by developing, enhancing, and supporting the growth and vitality of the science of behavior analysis through research, education, and practice.

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First International Conference; Italy, 2001

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Poster Session #66
#66 Poster Session - OTH (PRA)
Thursday, November 29, 2001
5:00 PM–6:30 PM
Truss Pavilion
1. A Functional Analysis of Child Adoption in Brazil
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
LIDIA WEBER (Federal University of Parana, Brazil)
Abstract: Today, the Brazilian government maintains no official statistics about abandonment and adoption, but researchers estimate there are about one million children institutionalized in Brazil. Despite this fact, these children and the people wanting to adopt them must endure a lengthy and arduous process. Typically, it takes 3 years to successfully adopt a child. But if there are hundreds of people wanting to adopt children and thousands of children available for adoption, why is it so hard to get these two segments of the population together? One of the difficulties is cultural stereotyping. The degree of racial prejudice with regard to the adoption of children is still very high. Pressured by social factors, the adoptive families themselves Frequently end up reproducing such prejudices. A study involving 311 adoptive families showed that: 71% had adopted new born babies; 75% were Caucasian families and Caucasian babies; 48% were black- market adoptions in order to avoid legal restrictions 98% had adopted healthy children; 65% had adopted because of infertility; 34% had affirmed that had done an adoption by altruism. The majority of the mulatto, black and older children are still adopted internationally or remain in institutions in spite of the basic right of living within a family.
 
2. Acquiring Taxonomic Relations: The Role of Slot Filler Pattern
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
SILVIA PERINI (Universita di Parma), Maria Pinelli (Universita di Parma), Dolores Rollo (Universita di Parma)
Abstract: The present paper analyses the slot-filler's function in the categorization process and especially its role of conceptual precursor. 3-and-5-years-old subjects were compared. Two slot-filler lists -functional/paradigmatic/replaceable/alternate and coordinate/sintagmatic/complementary/contiguous- were used, after three training's sessions. Both lists were presented in two different modalities: induction (scripted and categorical instructions) and non-induction (attentional and incidental instructions). The results show no substantial differences between the two lists in the first rehearsal, but differences in the delayed rehearsal after the training.
 
3. Constant Versus Escalation Response Rates of Killing in Serial Murderers
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
LISA A. OSBORNE (University College London)
Abstract: A common approach to exploring the killing behaviour of serial murderers is to concentrate on their modus operandi, victim selection, assumed motivation, and personalities. However, the approach taken by the research reported here is to analyse the 'response rates' of the killing behaviour emitted by serial murderers. A selection of case studies from English and Welsh serial murderers, active during the last two hundred years (1800-2000), is used to illustrate the various patterns of murders across time (i.e. response rates) produced by different serial murderers. From this selection, it is hoped to investigate the various possible patterns of murder rates that may emerge. In particular, two patterns in the rates of killing behaviour may be apparent: a constant rate of murder across time; and an escalating rate of murder across time. These distinct behavioural patterns can then be related to other known aspects of the individuals' backgrounds, assumed motivation and/or reinforcement, opportunities, etc. It may well be the case that the different patterns of murder rates will be related to quite different background factors of the murders. In this way, it is hoped to secure an understanding of serial murder more firmly in behavioural data and monitoring methods.
 
4. Effects of a Behavioral Intervention Program To Improve The Quality Of Life In Older Adults
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
ANA LUISA GONZALEZ-CELIS RANGEL (National University of Mexico), Juan Jose Sanchez Sosa (National University of Mexico)
Abstract: Quality of life has emerged as a determinant dependent variable to evaluate clinical significance (Kendall, 1999). A goal with older adults is to improve quality of life especially that related to psychological functioning. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects on an intervention program designed to improve the quality of life of elderly persons. Two experimental groups and two in a waiting list (N=40) participated through a pretest-posttest design. The program contained five components: Self-care; Social abilities, Assertiveness/Problem Solving, Strengthening of Self-efficacy; and Social support. All training was behavioral in nature. Each component consisted of five simulated situations. Participants' behavior was coded in categories and data collected by two independent observers. Data collection included five additional measures: subjective well being (Lawton's PGC), quality of life (WhoQol-Brief), depression (Yesavage's GDS), cognitive function (Ostrosky's Neuropsi), and self- efficacy (Gonzalez-Celis & Sanchez-Sosa). The instruments showed solid psychometric properties (Alpha 0.55). Results revealed both applied and statistically (p<0.05) pre-posttest significant differences. Differences occurred for all four groups for the behavioral categories and for subjective well being, quality of life and self-efficacy. Results also revealed significant associations (p<0.01) among the five measures.
 
5. Performance Improvement of a Graduate College: Behavioral Systems Management Comes to Help
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
GUILLERMO E. YABER OLTRA (Universidad Simon Bolivar)
Abstract: A behavioral system management approach was used to design, develop and improve the performance of a graduate college in a university setting using the "total performance system". Core, support and management processes are analyzed and described. Likewise a behavior supervisory system was applied to modify the effectiveness of the "support" processes. Productivity and satisfaction improved with the behavioral intervention. A behavior system management approach may be used to improve the work and unit performance of colleges in university settings.
 
6. Teaching Behavior Analysis: Giving Experimental Behavior Analysis Relevance and Applied Behavior Analysis Conceptual Bases
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
RONALD G. WEISMAN (Queens University)
Abstract: This poster examines the author's approach to combining experimental and applied findings in courses on behavior analysis. The approach tries to make experimental analysis more exciting and to provide more of a conceptual base for Applied analysis. The use of a modified and tractable Keller plan for evaluating student progress is also discussed. The course routinely generates high marks on the final examination and high ratings in student evaluations.
 
7. The Social and Cultural Problems to Adapt a Neuropsychological Tests Battery
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
TATIANA IZABELE JAWORSKI DE SA RIECHI (Federal University of Parana)
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to adapt and standardize the Luria-Christensen neuropsychological tests battery to children, teenagers and adults Brazilian. this battery is composed of ten tests each one assessing one specific area of the cerebral function system, mapping the different areas and their connections through an exhaustive assessment of the perceptive, cognitive and motor skills. this work started previously adapting the tests(phase 1)when the kind of stimulus chosen visual, verbal and kinesthesical with the final presentation and revision works. some pictures or worlds, for example, are unlike to Brazilian people, and this problem can invalidate the neuropsychological assessment. a prior analysis of the practical results lead to a deeper scientific and statistical approach of the answers we could get from the testes, having choice of analysis, revision criteria (phase 2). The third phase was a repetition an standardization work reaching a more formal state of knowledge and going beyond the prior criterion of excellence. at the end of the research the results will be reliable as neurological assessment and as qualitative mapping of the cerebral areas, adjust to the local reality, with total security of material used.
 
8. The Study of Moral Behaviour in Russian Business Sphere
Area: PRA; Domain: Applied Behavior Analysis
ALLA KUPREITCHENKO (BORISOVNA)
Abstract: This paper was voted to the study of the moral behaviour in business sphere(150Ss). The scales for measuring personnel’s moral attitudes were constructed. The peculiarities of behaviour of Russian entrepreneurs and managers were reflected in the scales. The determinants of moral behaviour were defined. A relationship between moral attitudes and interpersonal trust was revealed. The scales enabled us to measure the level, flexibility and stability of moral attitudes over time. The differences were also revealed in acceptability of offense moral norms in managers and entrepreneurs.
 
 

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