Differential Reinforcement on The Social Behavior of Mentally Retarded Children in Musembe Special Unit, Lugari District, Kenya.

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Date
2012-11
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Kampala International University, School of Education, Open and Distance and E-learning
Abstract
This study experimented on differential reinforcement on the social behaviour of mentally retarded children in Musembe special unit, Lugari District, Kenya. Further, this study determined the; (1) demographic characteristics of learners as to age and gender; and intelligence quotient, (2) mean scores in the pre test and post test; (3) significant difference in the pretest and post test mean scores between male and female learners (4) mean gain in post test. The quasi experimental, pre test and post test techniques was used in this study. A total of eleven mentally retarded learners were involved in the experimentation. The pre test and post test scores were documented in the observation checklist. The statistical tools utilized were the frequency and percentage distribution for demographic characteristics of the respondents; the mean for pre test and post test mean scores were used to find the significant difference in pre test and post test mean score and difference, for the post test mean gain. The finding of the study were as follows; demographic characteristics of the respondents, majority were 9 years old (36.36) and male 54.55 highest. Mean scores in post test was lower than in the pre test there was a significant difference in the pretest and post test mean scores and gain between male and female learners, It was concluded in this empirical investigation, that the hypothesis of no significant difference was rejected. The differential reinforcement had significant effect on the social behaviour of mentally retarded children. Base on the findings of the study, the recommendations were in these aspects: (1) the special unit administrators in the district should make sure they have enough materials and equipment for both indoor and outdoor activities to enhance interaction hence develop communication in learners; the Ministry of Education sponsors workshops for the teachers to learn management of adaptive behaviours and intervention strategies; all learners should have individual educational programme on behaviour modification for easy monitoring and implementation by the teacher; the learners should be placed in the special unit and schools after assessment; correct placement according to disabilities and inclusive education should be emphasize in all spheres of education to act as a correction measure of adapting behavior to avoid sidelining the special needs learners with adaptive behaviuor deficits. Future researchers to embark on any of these topics for research: differential reinforcement on cognitive development of mentally retarded learners and Intelligent Quotient and Social behaviour of mentally retarded learners
Description
A Thesis Presented to the College of Higher Degrees and Research Kampala International University Kampala, Uganda In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts Education in Special Needs Education
Keywords
Reinforcement, Social Behavior, Mentally Retarded Children
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