The use of self-instruction with multiple exemplars to teach generalized problem-solving to individuals with severe mental retardation

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation, was to determine if individuals with severe mental retardation could learn to use self-instruction in combination with multiple exemplars to produce a generalized problem-solving response. Specifically, four residents of a group home who had severe mental retardation were taught to use the problem-solving strategy to solve task-related problems. The combined strategy resulted in generalization to untrained problems, as well as response maintenance of the problem-solving strategy (i.e., responding to multiple exemplars and self-instructing). The use of the strategy is discussed in terms of promoting generalized responding, response maintenance, and independent performance among individuals with severe mental retardation.