Conditioning prosocial behaviors in a mentally retarded child without using instructions

This case study involves operant conditioning behavior in a mentally retarded child. Basically, physical reinforcers (M & M candies) were used to increase prosocial behaviors in a hyperactive, mentally retarded 3-yr-old girl. The prosocial behavior included increased attention and immobile behavior. No instructions were given the child regarding expected behavior or possible rewards for such behavior. Achieving instructionless conditioning in a young retarded child has implications for other children who have difficulty absorbing verbal instructions.