An analysis of overcorrection movements

Abstract

Overcorrection procedures were designed for three profoundly retarded adults such that the overcorrection activities were topographically dissimilar to (i.e., did not physically prevent) the stereotyped behavior targeted for treatment. Using reversal designs, we recorded data on both the target behavior and the behavior used as the overcorrection responses. Results showed that overcorrection was effective in reducing the stereotyped behavior for each subject; however, the rates of the overcorrection responses either remained variable or decreased during the treatment phases. These findings suggest that although overcorrection is a valuable technique in reducing behavior, the overcorrection responses (e.g., restitutional acts, positive practice, functional movement training) may not increase in the absence of specific reinforcement contingencies. The importance of utilizing differential reinforcement procedures, especially with mentally retarded persons, in conjunction with ocercorrection was discussed.