Date of Award
1997
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
First Advisor
Timothy R. Vollmer
Abstract
In 1982, Iwata, Dorsey, Slifer, Bauman, and Richman developed a systematic assessment method to identify the operant functions of self-injurious behavior. In this study, the Iwata et al., method was used to assess the operant functions of aggression displayed by children and adolescents with developmental disabilities. Although researchers have demonstrated that aggression serves operant functions, there has been no comprehensive analysis of aggression using the Iwata et al. method. Twelve children and adolescents participated. The experimental conditions from the Iwata et al. method were replicated (i.e., attention, instructional demand, play, no interaction); also, a tangible positive reinforcement condition was included in some cases. Results for 11 of the 12 participants identified clear operant functions (positive or negative reinforcement) for aggression. For one child, subsequent analyses suggested that aggression was sensitive to peer attention. Results are discussed in terms of incorporating an operant model into more general discussions of aggression.
Recommended Citation
Marcus, Bethany Ann, "Experimental Analysis of Aggression." (1997). LSU Historical Dissertations and Theses. 6502.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/6502
ISBN
9780591591651
Pages
90
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_disstheses.6502