Improving the Work performance of Severely/Profoundly Retarded Young Adults: The use of A Changing Criterion Procedural Design

Abstract

This study demonstrated the viability of using a changing criterion procedure for increasing the work production rates of three severely/profoundly retarded workers. In all three studies, the workers’ production rates increased from unacceptable levels to performance levels well above minimum rates for sheltered employment. Additional aspects of interest in these studies included the utilization of a self-administered reinforcement system, improvements in task attention, and enhanced work production quality. The three experiments presented in this article provide a demonstration of program control through multiple replications of a changing criterion design.