In this course, captology has been used to change people's actions and decisions. These articles, for the most part, revealed how computers are already being used to change actions: in behavior modification in schools.
Elias, Maurice, Steven Tobias, and Brian Friedlander. "Enhancing Skills for Everyday Problem Solving, Decision Making, and Conflict Resolution in Special Needs Students with the Support of Computer-Based Technology" Special Services in the Schools vol. 8, 1994
The authors, concerned that many special needs students leave school without having learned problem solving, skilled literacy, basic knowledge of technology or adequate interpersonal skills developed the Personal Problem Solving Guide to "[teach] at-risk children to think carefully and independently through decisions and problems [and] help them see that they have choices... [and] control over their lives" (qtd from Mirman, Swartz & Barell, 1988). The guide directs students through a systematic process based on social decision making and problem solving skills to assist them in gaining insight into situation which have resulted in disciplinary action. It is generally used in middle schools and high schools as part of a disciplinary plan. The program walks the students through the process of what they did, why it was inappropriate and what alternate action in similar situations in the future might be. All suggestions come from the student or the counselor or other adult working with the student. It ends the session with an action plan which acts as an informal contract (consistency - Cialdini). It definitely uses many persuasive techniques and has apparently been very effective in the cases which the article presented. This is already a captological artifact and shows that programs which are not flashy and commercialized can be effective persuaders too.
Fitzgerald, Gail and Judy Werner. "The Use of the Computer to Support Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Students with Behavioral Disorders" Journal of Computing in Childhood Education. 1994, vol. 7, no. 3 -4, pgs. 127-148.
The article relates two instances in which computers were used to support already existing programs of behavior modification for specific students with emotional and behavioral disorders. The students were a part of a program which was aimed at mainstreaming them from a special school into as many general education courses as possible. The two programs were built by a team including the teachers involved, a psychologist, and a computer specialist using Tutor-Tech. One used the program to have a student answer questions about his behavior after a discipline incident and used the answers to construct an essay which the student must then copy. The questions and answers available to the student offered little variety but were specifically geared towards the problems that the student had been having. The student read the essay aloud and copied during time that would otherwise be used for more fun activities. This program was very successful in the 9 week test period and cut the undesirable behavior down to 0 incidents per day from a beginning average of over 3.
The second program allowed the student to create and print a plan card of what he would do (Stop - Think - Act - Results) and then used that card to mark off his action when the teacher signaled him to do so during a lesson. After completing the lesson period, the cards could be used to earn and create certificates for points towards rewards (free time activities). It was not as successful but did cut down on disruptive behavior. These two programs are interesting in that they were implemented for individuals using available technology. It raises an interesting idea of a "captological authoring tool" which could create simple programs. It could teach some theory or have examples and templates for common problems. This could also lead to teachers or others trying to come up with their own methods which are not as helpful. Who was it that said "A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing?"
This is very much a work in progress. Other articles that I will eventually track down (as soon as the person who stole the entire set of Computers in Human Behavior journals returns them to Green) are:
Newman, Michelle et. al. "The use of Hand-Held Computers as an Adjunct to Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy." Computers in Human Behavior vol. 12, no. 1, pgs. 135 - 143, Spring 1996.
Cheney, Christine. "Computers and Students with Behavioral Disorders: A Review." Computers in the Schools vol. 7, no. 3, pgs. 47 - 60, 1990.