Systematic desensitization: a technique worth trying

Systematic desensitization is a limited form of behavior therapy used in the treatment of anxiety attached to specific objects or situations. The principles underlying the technique as developed by Wolpe and others are described briefly in this article. The author also relates his experiences in using a modified form of systematic desensitization in a public school setting with counselees whose success and development are hampered by test anxiety and fear of public speaking.     

Structure of learning environment variables under two instructional conditions

The present study investigated the congruence between the factor structures of the learning environment and cognitive variables for mathematics and English courses in Grade 10. Three common factors were obtained in each course. Procedural characteristics and cognitive factors in mathematics were highly similar to the corresponding factors in English. However, the formative characteristics factor identified in mathematics was not congruent to the corresponding factor in English. Learning environment variables produced two factors. These factors resembled the congruent factor properties for the two courses when the learning environment and cognitive variables were factor analyzed together. Implications for learning and instructional research are mentioned.     

Comparisons of two measures of free-operant avoidance under two conditions of response feedback

Lever-pressing responses of 6 rats were studied under a free-operant avoidance procedure, in 6 two-hour sessions. Three of the subjects were given an added visual feedback for each response; they avoided shocks more effectively than the subjects without the feedback. Two different measures of overall performance in free-operant avoidance were applied to the results of the experiment. There was little difference between the measures: both reflected the subjects' performance equally well. Relative merits of the measures and the criteria for selecting one of them were discussed.