Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Sol S. Gould

Publication Date

3-22-1978

Abstract

In applying biofeedback to the field of hyperactivity, this study investigated whether children diagnosed as hyperactive, learning-disabled can be trained to demonstrate control of their autonomic nervous system as evidenced by biofeedback temperature control. Assuming that such learning can occur, the study attempted to determine the extent to which such training may affect the attention span of the subjects. All of the children participating as subjects were between 8 and 10 years of age and attending the Albuquerque Public Schools. The study utilized a randomized group pretest-posttest design. Four evaluation instruments used to measure the dependent variables included: the Gould Modified Measuring Instrument (GMMI), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Coding Subtest (WISC Coding), the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children Digit Span Subtest (WISC Digit Span), and measurement of each child's fingertip temperature, accomplished through the use of the Autogen 2000 Electronic Thermometer. The equipment used consisted of an "N" gauge train with track, Autogen 2000, the interface power units, and probes to be attached to the fingertips. Results indicated that the training was effective in developing fingertip temperature control in hyperactive, learning-disabled children. Results also demonstrated increased attention span in subjects as indicated by increased performance on WISC Coding tasks.

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

English

Degree Name

Educational Leadership

Level of Degree

Doctoral

Department Name

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy

First Committee Member (Chair)

David Lawrence Bachelor

Second Committee Member

Paul Emil Resta

Third Committee Member

Russell Dewey Snyder

Fourth Committee Member

Timothy Gary Plax

Fifth Committee Member

James Clark Moore

Sixth Committee Member

Roger Lee Kroth

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