RITALIN VS. RESPONSE COST IN THE CONTROL OF HYPERACTIVE CHILDREN: A WITHIN‐SUBJECT COMPARISON

Abstract

A within‐subject comparison was made of the effects of methylphenidate (Ritalin) and response cost in reducing the off‐task behavior of two boys, 7 and 8 years of age, who had been diagnosed as having an attentional deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Several dosages of Ritalin (5 to 20 mg/day) were evaluated with the results indicating varying effects of the drug for both children. Response cost (with free‐time as the reinforcer) was superior to Ritalin in raising levels of on‐task behavior and in improving academic performance.