Facilitating Generalization

Abstract

The effectiveness of two procedures for promoting the generalization of adaptive skills across settings by mentally retarded clients was evaluated. Participants were 10 mentally retarded clients of a community day training center. Observations of self-care and domestic skills acquired at the center were conducted at home, on the percentage of steps of each skill task analysis completed correctly. Parents of one group received written instructions describing how to practice the skills with their offspring at home. A second group received remediation training at home by center staff. A multiple-baseline design across participants and behaviors was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the two procedures. In addition, a cost analysis of each procedure was conducted. Results indicated that the parent report and home remediation procedures were both effective in increasing correct skill completion. However, the home remediation procedure cost more, with increased costs attributed to training time. The parent report procedure was, therefore, the preferred procedure.