Modifying Excessive Lunchroom Noise: Omission Training with Audio Feedback and Group Contingent Reinforcement

Partial omission training by means of audio feedback and a group reinforcement contingency were employed to reduce excessive noise in an inpatient unit for emotionally disturbed children. Occurrence and duration of noise violations above 76 decibels were assessed using electronic audio equipment. An ABAB withdrawal design was employed to evaluate intervention effects. During treatment phases, subjects received audio feedback when noise violations occurred, and were given group reinforcement contingent upon 25% reduction in the rate of these occurrences. Results showed that the treatment package decreased the frequency of noise violations and increased appropriate lunchroom behavior, but had little effect on the duration of excessive noise.