SOMATOSENSORY ENRICHMENT OF A DEAF, BLIND, RETARDED ADOLESCENT THROUGH VIBRATION

2.1, O3 = 0.0, Eaff = 5.8 As a Large number of zero scores were found, Friedman's test was consequently used to evaluate the results. A significant x/ of 13.37 (df = 4, p < .01) was found becween sums of ranks, indicating chat length of smiling behavior was different between the observation and experimental periods. Further analysis of the four control sessions alone gave no significant differences (x,' = 2.95, df = 3). The hypothesis that vibration would have a significant effect on smiling was, therefore, supported. The absolute magnitude of the effect of the experimental manipulation on smiling behavior was small, averaging only 14.9 of 120 sec. Though stronger vibration may have increased smile time, the data do indicate that, at no cost in equipment, the restricted environmental input to a blind, deaf, profoundly retarded person can be expanded with a new experience.