Citation

McAfee JK. Educ. Treat. Child. 1987; 10(2): 134-145.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, West Virginia University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The relationship between classroom crowding and the behavior of handicapped students was examined. Two studies were conducted. In the first study, 72 classes of handicapped children were observed, each for two 30-minute periods. The frequency of disruptive behavior in those classrooms was negatively correlated with the amount of floor space available per student in the classroom (total floor space minus fixed objects) (r = -.198, p <.05). In the second study two classes of moderately retarded adolescents were observed for frequency of aggressive behavior. Each class was alternately subjected to more or less crowded conditions by closing or opening a movable partition that approximately bisected the classroom. Both classes showed higher rates of aggressive behavior under the crowded conditions. Implications of these findings and the need for further investigation are discussed.

Language: en