Differential effects of task and reinforcement variables on the performance of three groups of behavior problem children

Abstract

In a test of Quay's model of differential response tendencies in three basic dimensions of discordant behavior, 36 delinquent boys divided into three behavior groups - Conduct Disorder, Personality Disorder, Inadequate-Immature-were compared on a verbal paired-associate task under four conditions of task structure: neutral and emotional content, simplicity and complexity; and two reward conditions: material and verbal. Predictions were that the Conduct Disorder and Inadequate-Immature group would perform optimally under conditions of simple emotional task structure and material reward as opposed to the Personality Disorder group, who would demonstrate optimal performance under verbal reinforcement and reflect an interaction effect for task complexity and emotionality. Results confirmed the basic hypothesis of differential responsiveness as a function of subject variables. Directions of the differences indicated that task variables also produced critical effects.