ABSTRACT
Behavior modification has been applied successfully to a wide range of problem areas with mentally retarded individuals. Programs have effectively developed behaviors related to self-care, social interaction, general deportment, work competence, language usage, and academic achievement, to mention major target areas. In spite of the successes achieved, or perhaps in light of them, several issues have become important in implementing or evaluating behavior modification programs. It is frequently assumed that if staff perform appropriately, consequences that follow their behavior will maintain the behaviors. This is probably a naive view of the natural contingencies and their power in shaping staff behavior. Unresponsiveness of clients to behavior modification programs can be attributed to other aspects of reinforcement or its delivery.
