Identifier

etd-04112016-122514

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Psychology

Document Type

Dissertation

Abstract

Both class-wide behavioral interventions and antecedent strategies are commonly used to target disruptive behavior problems and improve classroom management. Typically, antecedent strategies precede behavioral interventions due to their proactive nature. Antecedent strategies, such as altering the classroom seating arrangement, may be more desirable to teachers than behavior interventions due to their simplicity and ability to be easily incorporated into existing routines. Past research, though limited, has demonstrated that row and column seating arrangements are associated with lower disruptions during independent work activities compared to group seating arrangements. In the first study, a multi-element design was used to compare rates of disruptive classroom behavior when utilizing three different seating arrangements (i.e., rows, pairs, and groups). Row and pair arrangements were associated with less disruptions than the group arrangement, and rows appeared slightly superior among all three. In the second study, rates of disruptive behavior were compared under three conditions: row and column seating, the Good Behavior Game, and both. All conditions resulted in decreased disruptive behaviors from baseline conditions (i.e., group seating arrangement). The greatest decreases were observed when the game was implemented, regardless of how the desks were arranged. Practical implications for decreasing disruptive behavior and directions for future research are discussed.

Date

2016

Document Availability at the Time of Submission

Release the entire work immediately for access worldwide.

Committee Chair

Gresham, Frank M.

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_dissertations.3696

Included in

Psychology Commons

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