ABSTRACT
A methodological perspective is suggested for understanding the relationship between self-regulating and non-infringing behavior and the physical settings in which these behaviors occur in a juvenile treatment center. The proposed method of study relies upon the convergent application of “behavior mapping,” behavioral rating, and interview techniques. Individual settings within the center were found to have a marked predominance and scarcity of these behavior dimensions. Similarly, within some settings, there was a lack of “fit” between the staff’s perceppions of the frequency of these behaviors and the observed results. The influence of the physical characteristics of each setting upon the two behaviors is discussed. The approach is stressed as having future meaning for the study not only of a juvenile treatment center but for the planning, design, and improvement of other programs as well.
