Application Of Behavioral Principles Research Articles

Social Validity in Behavioral Research: A Selective Review.

Through the application of behavioral principles, behavior analysts seek to produce socially meaningful behavior change, defined as alterations in behavior that yield important outcomes immediately beneficial for the direct consumers of interventions and key stakeholders. Behavioral practitioners and researchers often engage in assessment and reporting of the meaningfulness of behavior change using social validity assessments. These assessments ensure that target behaviors are appropriately selected, intervention procedures are acceptable, and satisfactory outcomes are produced. The purpose of this review is to identify the current state of social validity within behavioral literature. We reviewed eight peer-reviewed journals between 2010 and 2020. We found that 47% of the intervention studies reviewed included a social validity assessment. Social validity assessment across journals has increased over time, with a significant rise from 2019 to 2020. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future work are discussed.

The Effects of Analyses of Contingencies on Clinically Relevant Behaviors and Out-of-session Changes in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy

Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a behavior-analytic psychotherapy approach that shapes client behavior through application of behavioral principles in the therapeutic relationship. Two categories of in-session clinically relevant behavior (CRB) are recognized: CRB1 (problem behaviors) and CRB2 (improvements). The therapist watches for CRBs (Rule 1), evokes (Rule 2) and responds to CRBs (Rule 3) and observes the effects of his/her own behavior on CRBs (Rule 4). This sequence constitutes an experiential interaction in FAP. FAP also includes an analytic interaction, in which the therapist analyzes the client’s behavior, teaches the client to do so (CRB3) and asks him/her to engage in homework, promoting generalization (Rule 5). The goal of this investigation was to verify if analytic interventions in FAP are indeed necessary for generalization of in-session to out-of-session improvements. Two clients were submitted to a single-case experimental procedure, A-B-BC-B-BC, in which A corresponded to behavior therapy without systematic FAP; B corresponded to the introduction of Rules 1 to 4; and BC to the addition of Rule 5. Improvements in and out of session were achieved with the experimental procedure and maintained until a follow-up session. Instances of Rule 5 in the BC phases influenced the clients’ analyses of their own behavior, but did not seem to influence rates of CRB1 and CRB2 or out-of-session problems or improvements. There was no evidence from this study that analyses made by therapists or clients are necessary in addition to the clear shaping process conducted by FAP.

No single solution: application of behavioural principles in mitigating human–wildlife conflict

There is no proverbial silver bullet for mitigating human–wildlife conflict, but the study of animal behaviour is foundational to solving issues of coexistence between people and wild animals. Our purpose is to examine the theoretical and applied role that behavioural principles play in understanding and mitigating human–wildlife conflict, and delineate gaps in behavioural theory relative to mitigating these conflicts. Specifically, we consider two different, yet contemporary, examples of human–wildlife conflict: animal–vehicle collisions and carnivore depredation of livestock. Although ostensibly unrelated, both conflict areas share common themes relative to animal behavioural responses to disturbance and perception of risk. We first place the effects on wildlife due to these conflicts in the scope of population sustainability, and then examine current research relative to the following three questions. How is behavioural ecology relevant to these particular areas of conflict? Are advances toward understanding the mechanisms by which animals process information and make decisions being translated into management methods? How might management efforts be affected over time by individual behaviours, method integration and habituation/sensitization? Regarding animal–vehicle collisions, only in the last decade have researchers applied an antipredator theoretical framework with sensory ecology to understand aspects of marine mammal, terrestrial mammal and bird responses to vehicle approach, speed and associated stimuli. However, the size and speeds of modern vehicles demand that we improve economic models and possibly develop novel theoretical frameworks to better predict animal responses to vehicle approach. Within the context of carnivore–livestock depredation, our understanding of individual predator behaviour relative to perceived risk and factors contributing to the development of problem individuals will influence the efficacy of the most promising, nonlethal management approaches (e.g. distractive techniques, reproductive inhibition and olfactory barriers). In both cases, successful management is contingent upon a mechanistic understanding of how animals respond to disturbance and the information utilized to assess risk.

An Alternative Strategy for Selecting a Graduate Program: Comments on Dixon et al. (2015).

While the rankings based upon frequencies of publication, supplied by Dixon et al. (2015), identify individuals and programs worthy of prospective students' attention, I have focused upon other criteria when mentoring students who are deciding where to apply for graduate study. Those criteria concern the student's particular interests, and questions concerning what it is like to work with a given mentor or within a given program. Besides perusals of web sites and queries directed to prospective mentors, students already working with that mentor can provide valuable information. Provision for hands-on training in the application of behavioral principles is essential to a high-quality program, and availability of conceptually oriented courses and of a supportive verbal community are additional considerations, especially if a mentor is not frequently available for informal conversation. As alternatives, the Behavior Analysis Certification Board's credential has the limitations of any multiple-choice examination as an evaluation of hands-on competence, and the accreditation of programs by the Association for Behavior Analysis International omits many mentorships that have trained outstanding behavior analysts via "apprenticeships" within programs that are not primarily behavior analytic.

Theory, Philosophy, and the Practice of Applied Behavior Analysis

The relevance of behavioral theory and philosophy to the practice of applied behavior analysis is not always immediately apparent, perhaps especially for those with less exposure to the philosophical and theoretical foundation of applied behavior analysis. Moreover, course sequences designed to train behavior analytic practitioners have varying degrees of educational content in the areas of theory and philosophy, perhaps making the relevance of theory and philosophy to the practice of applied behavior analysis even less likely to be known by the growing number of behavior analytic practitioners. The current paper provides an overview of the relevance of theory and philosophy to the everyday practice of applied behavior analysis. It is argued that not only is philosophy relevant to applied behavior analysis, but in fact, that it is fundamental to the application of behavioral principles. Implications for continued professional development are also provided.

Introduction to “the behavior-analytic origins of constraint-induced movement therapy: An example of behavioral neurorehabilitation”

Introduction to “the behavior-analytic origins of constraint-induced movement therapy: An example of behavioral neurorehabilitation”

Therapeutic Intervention in a Case of Ataxic Dysarthria Associated With a History of Amateur Boxing

The goals of this study were to (a) describe the presenting features of ataxic dysarthria present in a participant with a long history of amateur boxing, (b) describe a novel application of behavioral principles in the treatment of this participant, and (c) discuss implications in the treatment of ataxic dysarthria secondary to boxing. The participant was a 36-year-old male with ataxic dysarthria associated with a 15-year history of amateur boxing. Perceptual intelligibility, perceptual severity, communication attitudes, and communication effectiveness were evaluated. As a result of treatment, the participant eliminated the ataxic characteristics of his speech within structured tasks. Speech patterns were controlled through loudness practice and a gradual increase in utterance length and complexity. This study offers speech-language pathologists an introduction to the topic of amateur boxing and associated neurologic consequences as well as a description of the use of behavioral principles in the treatment of ataxic dysarthria.

Long-term evaluation of a behavior-based method for improving safety performance: a meta-analysis of 73 interrupted time-series replications

Research and applications of behavioral principles have established behavior-based safety initiatives as potentially effective solutions to certain occupational health and safety challenges. The present study adds to the existing literature a longitudinal evaluation of an employee-driven behavior-based accident prevention initiative implemented in industrial settings. Up to 5 years of injury data from 73 companies, drawn from a target population of 229 companies who implemented behavior-based safety, were examined. Comparisons of pre- to post-initiative incident levels across groups revealed a significant decrease in incidents following the behavior-based safety implementation. Effect sizes were estimated from the average percentage reduction from baseline. The average reduction from baseline amounted to 26% in the first year increasing to 69% by the fifth. These findings are critically examined in terms of both internal and external validity. Future research will focus on differential effects of specific elements of the behavior-based safety initiative described herein.

Behavioral Gerontology: State of the Science

Baer, Wolf and Risley's (1968) dimensions of applied behavior analysis are used as an organizing framework to review and discuss current research on the application of behavioral principles to the solution of social problems faced by older adults. Implications for future research are discussed.

Behavior analysis and the primary prevention of occupational injuries

Abstract Occupational injuries constitute a problem of major individual and social significance. The incidence, severity and costliness of occupational injuries justify the attention of behavior analysts. Given the assumption that injury is a consequence of behavior behavior analysis would seem especially relevant to the field of injury prevention. The purpose of this article is to provide a description of the application of behavioral principles to the primary prevention of occupational injuries. Since the 1970's there has been an increasing number of reports of the successful application of behavioral principles in a variety of occupational settings. The article reviews the logic behind the application of behavior principles and provides a summary of how to to identify behavioral targets in occupational settings. Examples of behavioral programs designed to increase safe behaviors are given. The article concludes with a discussion and suggestions for future efforts by behavior analysts.

The behavioral control of high blood pressure

Stress management and relaxation training lower the blood pressure of many mild hypertensives substantially through mechanisms that are as yet unclear but may include behavioral and cognitive change. It is almost certain that the reduction of weight in the obese, drinking in heavy drinkers, and increased exercise in the sedentary also reduces pressure usefully in hypertensives, and opportunites exist for the application of behavioral principles to improve the effectiveness of programs to alter these behavioral risk factors. It is fortunate that behavioral methods for the control of hypertension exist and are making progress since there are increasing doubts about the effectiveness of pharmacological solutions for mild hypertension.

Application of behavioral principles within family systems therapy: A conceptual framework for the treatment of alcoholism

Although family systems therapy has been successfully used in the treatment of various clinical problems, there has been little research regarding the process variables that contribute to successful outcomes in family therapy. We propose that the integration of behavioral (learning theory) principles with the family systems framework would allow researchers to establish clear operational definitions and reliable measures of family therapy processes. This paper presents a description of several core concepts in family therapy from the perspective of learning theory. We also present alcoholism within the family as an example of how behavioral principles can help to define and measure family process concepts. Finally, we discuss several of the proposed mechanisms of change in family therapy of the alcoholic through an integration of behavioral principles.

Doctoral Training in Behavior Analysis: Training Generalized Problem-Solving Skills

This essay provides guidelines for designing a doctoral program in behavior analysis. First, we propose a general accomplishment for all behavior analytic doctoral students: that they be able to solve problems concerning individual behavior within a range of environments. Second, in order to achieve this goal, we propose that students be trained in conceptual and experimental analysis of behavior, the application of behavioral principles and the administration of behavioral programs. This training should include class work, but it should emphasize the immersion of students in a variety of environments in which they are required to use behavior analytic strategies. Third, we provide an example of a hypothetical graduate program that involves the proposed training. Finally, an evaluation plan is suggested for determining whether a training program is in fact producing students who are generalized problem-solvers. At each step, we justify our point of view from a perspective that combines principles from behavior analysis and educational systems design.

Behavioral Neuropsychology in the Schools

This article describes a new subdiscipline of neuropsychology in which the application of behavioral principles in the remediation and rehabilitation of organically induced behavior problems is see...

JOURNALS IN BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE

The field of behavioral medicine has developed out of a convergence of several antecedent disciplines, most noticeably psychosomatic medicine, and behavioral psychology. Definitions of the field vary, but it is generally agreed to involve the formal application of behavioral principles to problems of clinical medicine. This application may take the form of behavioral techniques which (a) facilitate biomedical treatment, (b) assist in the modification of habits with undesirable health consequences, (c) assist in the treatment of stress-related diseases, or (d) produce direct alterations in pathological states. This article defines and traces the field of behavioral medicine. Relevant journal literature is discussed.

Behavioral marriage therapy in the 1980's: The challenge of integration

Abstract Only two years ago, my colleagues and I participated in a published debate over the sufficiency of a predominantly behaviorally oriented approach to marital therapy (Gurman and Kniskern, 1978c; Gurman and Knudson, 1978; Gurman et al., 1978; Jacobson and Weiss, 1978). This debate has stimulated a good deal of discussion (e.g., Colapinto, 1979; Taggart, 1979), presumably because it focused attention on a number of issues which are fundamental to how clinicians conceive of marital conflict and treatment, which had not received enough of a public airing for some time. In that debate, my colleagues and I argued that a single-minded application of behavioral principles to marriage therapy was insufficient for effective clinical practice. While behavioral marital therapy (BMT) was the focus of that particular interchange, in several other places I have taken the position that psychodynamically oriented and systems-oriented methods, when applied monolithically to marital problems, are also subject to ser...

Behavioral and psychodynamic dimensions of the new sex therapy.

The new sexual therapy, a brief outpatient treatment of sexual dysfunction consisting of structured sexual exercises and conjoint therapeutic sessions, is a systematic intergration of behavioral and psychodynamic elements. Formally consisting of many defining characteristics of a behavior therapy including the direct treatment of a specified problem and the application of behavioral principles, the new sex therapy also relies on psychodynamic understanding. The result is synergistic. Psychodynamic understanding underlies appropriate behavioral intervention, and psychodynamic exploration of resistance enhances the effectiveness of behavioral methods. Behavioral techniques facilitate the most rapid implementation of therapeutic insight. The integration of approaches in the new sex therapy has general significance for psychotherapeutic theory and practice.

Parental modification of a child's behavior in an experimental residence

An apartment-like setting with observational facilities was used to train the parents of a 9-yr-old hyperactive, aggressive boy in the application of behavioral principles. The entire family lived in this setting for five consecutive days, receiving training by instructional materials, prompting, modeling, and feedback. They then returned home and maintained contact by telephone. There were significant reductions in the child's rate of noncompliance ( p<0.01), and in destructive acts towards people ( p<0.01) and property ( p<0.01).

Appliation of behavior principles to group therapy techniques with juvenile delinquents.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of token reinforcement on the quantity and quality of verbalization in a therapy group of 5 delinquent boys. Ss were reinforced with poker chips for units of verbalization and for certain types of verbalization. The chips were exchanged for candy, money, or phone calls at the end of each session. Verbal behavior was reinforced for 19 of the 25 therapy sessions. Results indicated an increase over baseline rate in the quantity and quality of verbalization.

THE BEHAVIORAL TREATMENT OF SCHOOL PHOBIA

Clinical evidence has been amassed in support of the application of behavioral principles in the treatment of school phobia. A variety of behavior modification techniques including systematic desensitization, “emotive imagery,” interference and shaping, forced school attendance, implosion, and parent retraining programs have been used successfully in reinstating school attendance. However, many of the follow-up studies are superficially conducted and more detailed long term follow-ups are needed. Furthermore, experimental evidence indicating the superiority of the behavioral approach is warranted. Both group design and single case studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of particular behavioral methods. Also, examination of the most effective treatment combinations should be undertaken. Finally, the full involvement of relevant school personnel, utilizing behavioral principles in prevention and early treatment of school phobia, appears to be an essential facet of a broad spectrum behavioral approach