Ayllo, Layman & Kandel: Alternative to Drug Control of Hyperactive Children

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

Math and reading performances were measured of three schoolchildren [ages 7, 8 , 9] both on and off medication

Reinforcement of academic performance reduced hyperactivity comparable to the effects of medication

*Academic performance increased: there were more academic gains with reinforcement than when on medication

Contingency management techniques provided feasible alternative to medication for controlling hyperactivity in the classroom while enabling the children to grow academically

Despite an extreme difference in the children’s medication history, the behavioral effects were not differential to that history

The absence of medication allows the children to react to reinforcement as normal children do

The continued use of medication to control hyperactivity may result in compliant but academically incompetent students