The Effects of Peer Modeling on Acquisition and Generalization in Autistic Children
Document Type
Article
Department
Psychology (CMC)
Publication Date
1983
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to systematically determine whether lowfunctioning autistic children [MA of approximately half of their CA or less] could learn through observation by the use of a peer modeling procedure. Since modeling is less structured than traditional one-on-one procedures, it was also thought that modeling might facilitate subsequent generalization of tasks learned through observation. Four autistic children were taught two receptive labeling tasks. One task was taught by a traditional trial and error procedure, while the other task was taught by a modeling procedure wherein the models were other autistic children. Results indicated that all four children learned through observation of their peer model. Additionally, generalization and maintenance of correct responding were superior when the children learned through observation rather than by trial and error. These results are discussed in terms of the modeling literature, generalization issues, and implications for designing teaching settings for autistic children.
Rights Information
© 1983 Springer-Verlag
Terms of Use & License Information
DOI
10.1007/BF00914244
Recommended Citation
Charlop, M. H., Schreibman, L., and Tyron, A. (1983). Learning through observation: The effects of peer modeling on acquisition and generalization in autistic children. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 11, 355-366. doi: 10.1007/BF00914244
