Training conversational skills in mentally retarded adults: A multiple baseline analysis

Interpersonal deficits in three mildly mentally retarded adults were treated via a conversational skills training program. Functional control was evaluated using a multiple baseline design across three target behaviors: eye contact, conversational questions, and positive conversational feedback. The individually administered behavioral training program (incorporating instructions, modeling, coaching, behavioral rehearsal, video-feedback, corrective feedback, and social reinforcement) was assessed during 15 four-minute conversations with unknown, non-retarded adult conversants. For two of the three subjects studied, results indicated substantial increases in target behaviors with sequential introduction of the treatment strategy. Overall conversational ability, however, showed no practical improvement from baseline to final assessment conversations.