Observational learning is an important area in the field of psychology and behavior science more generally. Given this, it is essential that behavior analysts articulate a sound theory of how behavior change occurs through observation. This paper begins with an overview of seminal research in the area of observational learning, followed by a…

Recent mandates related to the implementation of evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) require that autism professionals both understand and are able to implement practices based on the science of applied behavior analysis (ABA). The use of the term "applied behavior analysis" and its related concepts…

This article focuses on the use of "timeout" as a classroom behavior modification technique. The questions and guidelines are presented in a flow chart format in order to facilitate easy and quick use by practitioners. (Author)

This training manual is designed to prepare behavior assistants to teach parents and other family members how to use operant conditioning techniques to solve family problems with children. Readers are warned not to attempt to put the recommended procedures to actual use until the text is fully comprehended. Chapter I gives arguments to justify the…

SINCE THERE ARE SOME WIDELY PREVALENT MISCONCEPTIONS OF CLIENT-CENTERED COUNSELING, ATTENTION IS CALLED TO WHAT CLIENT-CENTERED COUNSELING IS NOT. CONDITIONS WHICH THE CLIENT-CENTERED VIEW HOLDS ARE NECESSARY AND SUFFICIENT CONDITIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY ARE EMPATHIC UNDERSTANDING, UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARD, AND SELF-CONGRUENCE. THESE ARE COMMON…

Are the behaviors that constitute the essential features of behavior counseling consistent with the principles of behaviorism that form the substratum for a behavioral counseling approach? The author maintains they are not and presents his arguments in this article. (Author)

Two treatments were compared for reducing anxiety and raising achievement. Significant anxiety reduction occurred in the behavioral group, although following treatment no improvement in achievement occurred. Some implications are discussed. (Author)

Extensive review of the literature suggests that modeling procedures are effective means of changing behavior, not only with one client but with a group. School counselors, in particular, need to be aware of the negative effect of various grouping policies, and should expose behavior problem clients to socially acceptable models. Followed by…

Most histories of psychology and psychiatry attribute the first group psychotherapy to Joseph Pratt's 1905 class for tuberculosis patients. Pratt's actual treatment procedures are examined. They are shown to have consisted primarily of operant and social-learning techniques, aimed at increasing patient compliance with a demanding therapeutic…

The effectiveness of four operant procedures (differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, omission training, overcorrection, and reinforcement withdrawal) in changing self injurious behavior (SIB) of 16 severely handicapped students was examined. Analysis of correlations between reduction in SIB and subject characteristics, adaptive…

The treatment of a 10-year-old elective mute boy is reported in detail. A learning principles based approach was used in a one-to-one therapeutic setting. Relatively normal speaking patterns were established after 15 months of treatment. (Author)

The author describes a counseling technique which: (1) is based upon behavior theory and treats acts and thoughts as operants, and anxiety as a respondent controlled by classical conditioning; (2) entails in vivo desensitization, requiring the construction of a hierarchy of anxiety-producing situations which can be enacted; (3) uses peer- or…

The purpose of this research was to demonstrate that an audiotape desensitization treatment procedure, administered over a 19-day period, would be an effective means of treating test-taking anxiety. Subjects were students seeking treatment from a university counseling center. Results indicated that the treated subjects showed significant…

Exposed students in four second-grade classes exhibiting disruptive behavior to response cost programs with varying initial reinforcement and fine levels. Results indicated all treatments were highly effective, as all groups underwent maximum behavioral change. Suggests degree of aversiveness of procedure did not appear to be strongly related to…