Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Psychology
Faculty/School
Faculty of Science
First Advisor
Not applicable
Advisor Role
Not applicable
Abstract
In order to test the hypothesis that positive verbal reinforcement is aversive to incarcerated delinquents, one of two equated groups of fifteen males Ss received encouragement for correct responses made during a concept attainment task. It was predicted that reinforced Ss would achieve a significant mean increase in concept attainment errors during the period of social reinforcement. The reinforced Ss, however, made a significant mean reduction in errors. Differences within the reinforced group of Ss indicated that Ss who made reductions in errors were identified as introverted and low risks for recidivism; Ss who made increased errors during social reinforcement were identified as extroverted and high risks for recidivism. The findings, though not supporting the study hypothesis, were interpreted in the light of a recent theory of criminoginicity.
Recommended Citation
Munro, Haig, "Concept Attainment Responses of Incarcerated Delinquent Adolescents as a Function of Differential Social Reinforcement" (1971). Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive). 1604.
https://scholars.wlu.ca/etd/1604
Convocation Year
1971