Sensory reinforcement table: an evaluation

A table, which provides sensory reinforcement on completion

of form board tasks, was evaluated for use in

teaching and occupying severely mentally handicapped

children.

Sensory stimulation was found to be more effective

than edibles or social reinforcement in occupying two

children working at skills already acquired. The addition

of sensory reinforcement to social reinforcement was

found to enhance learning new skills in three children.

Sensory stimulation was no more effective than conventional

reinforcers with five children whose performance at

form board tasks was generally very low.

It is suggested that the use of such equipment be

investigated further with larger numbers of children.