Applied behavior analysis, social validation, and the psychopharmacology of mental retardation

Abstract

Although rarely used in this context, research techniques associated with applied behavior analysis may be especially useful for examining the effects of psychotropic medications in people with mental retardation. One characteristic of applied behavior analysis is that researchers often report social validity data, in addition to data that quantify the behaviors targeted for change. Social validity data reflect the social significance of target behaviors, the appropriateness of procedures, and the perceived importance of results. They are important because they can be used to predict whether a given intervention will be used and, if used, whether consumers are likely to be satisfied with it. Social validity merits consideration in studies of the psychopharmacology of mental retardation, but researchers have largely ignored the topic. MRDD Research Reviews 1999;5:342–347. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.