ABSTRACT

As alluded to in Chapter 4, in the early evolution of the —eld, behavior analysts had a modus operandi of carrying out behavior change programs that could be described positively by supporters as “±uid” and by detractors as “making it up as they went along.” In the beginning, behavior programs were just extensions of laboratory procedures with adaptations for humans and the settings they occupied. Nothing was written down, and there was no approval process per se. Data were always collected, usually with precision and consistency, and the results were so novel and amazing that all of those involved would marvel at the e˜ects they were seeing with these primitive procedures. With success came recognition of the seriousness of the mission these early leaders had undertaken. ‹e pioneers of behavior analysis quickly realized that these were not just experiments in behavior change but rather a totally new form of therapy-data based to be sure but therapy nonetheless. And

therapy required a new level of care, consideration, thoughtfulness, and responsibility. It became clear that better record keeping would be required. By the mid-1980s, behavior analysis practitioners were fully in compliance with standards of the time, which required that the client, or a surrogate, actually approve the program in writing before it was implemented.