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Abstract

An experimental investigation of the effect of consistent, positive, verbal reinforcement of selected interests of undergraduate, female students was conducted. Hypotheses concerning the immediate effects of conditioning treatments as well as effects of treatment on retention and delayed learning were formulated. Ss participated in a pretest, two interviews, a posttest and retest. Although only one group of experimental Ss evidenced significant conditioning, all six posttest and retest scores of experimental Ss showed a greater raw score gain than did control Ss. Because posttest and retest scores of a greater number of experimental Ss were at least 10 points above their operant scores after conditioning, it can be concluded that some individuals were susceptible to verbal conditioning of interests.

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Effects of Positive Verbal Reinforcements on Interest Selections

Abstract

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References