Sensory reinforcement table—an evaluation

SUMMARY A table, which provides sensory reinforcement on completion of form board tasks, was evaluated for use in teaching and occupying severely mentally handicapped children. Sensory stimulation was found to be more effective than edibles or social reinforcement in occupying two children working at skills already acquired. The addition of sensory reinforcement to social reinforcement was found to enhance learning new skills in three children. Sensory stimulation was no more effective than conventional reinforcers with five children whose performance at form board tasks was generally very low. It is suggested that the use of such equipment be investigated further with larger numbers of children.