OPERANT DEVICE TO REINFORCE CORRECT HEAD POSITION

The effect of contingent music for appropriate posture was studied in three subjects classified as severely retarded. A photosensor fixed to the back of a chair ensured that correct head positioning would obstruct a light beam, thus closing a relay. A portable tape recorder wired into the relay, provided music to the subjects whenever the beam was obstructed, and terminated immediately when the head dropped forward. Results showed that correct head positioning increased for all subjects when music was contingent upon appropriate positioning. © 1979.