The good behaviour game

The aim of this study was to reduce disruptive behaviour among a group of boys with 'behaviour problems' using the 'Good Behaviour Game'. The procedure involved dividing the class into two teams, setting a 'winning' criteria for a decrease in the rate of disruptive behaviour and providing consequences for a response rate less than the 'winning' criteria or less than the other team's response rate. Reinforcement was in the form of a variety of confectionery and stationery items. A baseline period measured the frequency of two target behaviours, talking and out-of-seat behaviour, across five sessions. The intervention phase consisted of six sessions with the 'winning' criteria set at ten disruptions per lesson or less and a further three sessions with the 'winning' criteria set at five disruptions per lesson or less. The results showed a marked decrease in the observed rates of the two target behaviours on implementation of the intervention phase. Further reductions were observed when the 'winning' criterion was lowered. These results support the findings of previous research by demonstrating the effectiveness of the Good Behaviour Game with 'behaviouraity disturbed' children.