Date of Award
4-1967
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Psychology
Abstract
It was the purpose of the present study to explore the feasibility of investigating naturally occurring behavior of mental retardates with an observational technique.
Twelve mentally retarded male subjects, ages sixteen to twenty one, with Adaptive Behavior levels of upper III, were observed for a total of four observational time blocks of fifteen minutes each. From the collected data 105 behavioral events were extracted, and sorted as to their appropriateness or inappropriateness in the behavioral setting. Each subject was assigned scores based on frequency counts of occurrence of appropriate and inappropriate behaviors manifested during his four observational time blocks. Rank correlations and partial correlations were executed comparing these data with indices derived from testing of these subjects with Wechsler intelligence tests and the Experimental Test of Social Inference.
Several meaningful relationships were discerned, and while the conclusions are generally guarded, it is felt the study demonstrated the worth of a direct observational method in the study of symptomatic behavior of mental retardates, and provides implications for further study.
Recommended Citation
Bass, Daryle I., "ASSESSING MANIFEST COPING BEHAVIOR OF MENTALLY RETARDED INSTITUTIONALIZED MALES WITH AN OBSERVATIONAL TECHNIQUE" (1967). Electronic Theses & Dissertations. 98.
https://digitalcommons.pittstate.edu/etd/98
Comments
v, 74, iii, 13 leaves ; 28 cm. Bibliography: leaves 52-56.
Note: Appendix I: Manual: A test of social inference (iii, 13 leaves).