Training A Mentally Retarded Woman to Work Competitively: Effect of Graphic Feedback and A Changing Criterion Design

A young woman with moderate mental retardation was involved in a vocational training experience in the food service section of a hospital kitchen. For one aspect of her job performance (i.e., stripping breakfast trays), an on-the-job coach provided graphic feedback on her speed. A changing criterion design was used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the graphic feedback procedures in increasing her speed from an unacceptable level to the rate required for competitive employment. Program effectiveness was also measured through a social validation questionnaire involving co-workers.