Speech Pathology and the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

Abstract

The application of operant conditioning by the speech therapist involves 3 steps: obtaining baseline measures of the behaviors to be modified, behavior modification and extension of stimulus control. If clinical goals are to be achieved, certain principles must be observed in all 3 areas. Problems involving changes in rate of response, in establishment of new responses, and in stimulus control may be dealt with by the application of behavior modification to speech therapy.