A Reinforcer System and Experimental Procedure for the Laboratory Study of Reading Acquisition1

Abstract

Abstract : Progress is reported on construction of a laboratory procedure and apparatus for the experimental study of reading acquisition. A reading program was constructed which would be homogeneous in character so that the learning curves produced would not be variable from the influence of the reading materials. Apparatus was designed which enable the controlled presentation of the stimuli. Operant recording equipment was used to cumulatively record the child's re ding response (actually a chain of responses involving visual discriminations, motor and vocal responses). A system of reinforcers was developed to maintain the child's participation and working behaviors for a long period of time. The reading materials proved to result in a relatively constant rate of response, allowing for the investigation of the effects of the reinforcement procedures. The reinforcing system appeared to solve the major problem involved in maintaining children's behavior over long periods so that complex behavior may be studied. (Author)