This commentary on EC 608 301, a paper on behavioral research methodology used with individuals with developmental disabilities, argues that the paper does not portray behavior analysis accurately, advances arguments that may not be reliably enough agreed upon, and seeks to modify reader behavior without sufficiently addressing the variables of…

This paper reviews the literature on functional assessment in the behavioral treatment of aggression in persons with mental retardation or developmental delays. Increased use of functional assessment and skill training is noted but no concomitant decrease in the use of intrusive procedures. (Author/DB)

The sleep-wake cycles of 4 developmentally delayed individuals (ages 3-19) with severe sleep disturbances were regulated using a faded bedtime procedure with response cost. Following treatment, all four increased their amounts of nighttime sleep; two decreased their excessive daytime sleep; and three decreased their night wakings. (Author/JDD)

The out-of-seat behavior of a highly disruptive 4 year old with severe disabilities was substantially reduced using differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior. The boy's in-seat behavior expanded from less than a minute to 20 minutes. The providers' use of physical restraint decreased to near-zero levels, and the boy's appropriate toy…

Article dispels the following myths about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): it has neurobiological base that can only be treated with medication; it must be treated with contingency management procedures; the children do not perform well under partial reinforcement schedules; and students must receive special-education services.…

Explains some long-standing assumptions that underlie behavioral consultation. Discusses four additional assumptions, referring to all of them as myths because they do not have solid empirical basis. Attempts to provide impetus for a new research direction that enhances effectiveness of consultation practice. (Author/JDM)

Argues that using functional behavioral assessment (FBA) to identify individual factors that may be contributing to a student's behavior problem and building a positive behavioral-intervention plan will produce effective disciplinary practices. Components of successful implementation of FBA and overarching challenges to the use of FBA are…

Compares the effectiveness of educational interventions conducted in classroom and nontraditional settings in improving environmental behavior. Classroom interventions improved environmental behavior more effectively than interventions in nontraditional settings. (Author/CCM)

This article presents three case studies of elementary students with learning disabilities whose behavior interfered with the quantity and quality of their classroom instruction. In each case, interventions involved teaching and reinforcing specific replacement behaviors that were identified through functional behavioral assessment. (Contains…

A study examined the effectiveness of implementing a pre-correction and active supervision strategy on the rate of problem behavior during recess. The intervention reduced rates of problem behavior exhibited by elementary students (N=475), but was not effective in increasing rates of active supervision on the part of playground monitors. (Contains…

Discusses how conceptualizing anger control as a necessary survival skill for angry and aggressive youth is more productive than diagnosing these youth with labels like conduct disorders. Anger management programs should promote the ideas that angry persons need to trust others and that they have the ability to control their lives. (RJM)

Describes treatment containing positive components of effective instruction delivery (EID) and time-in (TI) for achieving acceptable levels of child compliance in clinic and home settings. Mothers were able to master components of both EID and TI in the clinic. Skill mastery increased at home for EID but varied for TI. Discusses benefits of…

Antecedent conditions involving instructor's task demands and social comments were evaluated for three students with severe disabilities who exhibited problem behavior. An instructor emitted high rates of social comments and gradually faded in task demands. Social validity assessments indicated that substantial improvements were perceived in…

Analysis suggests pharmacotherapy is superior to cognitive-behavior therapy in the treatment of severely depressed outpatients in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP). This finding is neither robust across TDCRP sites nor consistent with findings from other studies. Argues that…

Addresses a few of the most important issues raised by N. S. Jacobson and S. D. Hollon and by D. F. Klein about the findings of the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program (TDCRP). Presents conclusions regarding these issues. Makes recommendations for new areas of investigation using the TDCRP…