TL;DR: Gardner as discussed by the authors presented an easily intelligible yet detailed account of the concepts and practices of behavior modification and the underlying learning systems, with numerous clinical illustrations of applying specific techniques to various educational and rehabilitation problems.
Abstract: In this important book, one of the most exciting and promising developments in clinical psychology-behavior modification is applied to the treatment of the mentally retarded, particularly those whose behavior poses difficult problems for institutions. Professor Gardner presents an easily intelligible yet detailed account of the concepts and practices of behavior modification and the underlying learning systems, with numerous clinical illustrations of applying specific techniques to various educational and rehabilitation problems. A thorough discussion of the inadequacies of the psychological evaluation systems normally used in education and rehabilitation is offered, along with an alternative behavior analysis approach that provides a method of translating evaluation data into treatment practices. In explaining behavior analysis, the author takes into account the limited behavioral repertoire of the retarded and environmental deficits. Individual chapters on respondent, operant, and observational learning, and a detailed discussion of a functional analysis approach to evaluation, are included. Proven behavior modification strategies are presented along with a review of related research and clinical studies. The book closes with a detailed description of a research program for the design and testing of sheltered workshop systems for the retarded and emotionally disturbed. The positive approach inherent in the belief that behavior is modifiable-even in the severely limited retarded-is in marked contrast to the pessimism of other systems of therapy, education, and training. Also, the author has concentrated throughout on making the book understandable to clinicians and students with no previous knowledge of behavior modification. Besides serving as a valuable handbook for all treatment personnel, the book can also be used as a basic text for various courses dealing with mental retardation. Using a unique behavioral assessment and treatment planning framework, the updated Sixth Edition provides a systematic overview of behavioral and cognitive principles and their applications to a wide range of issues and situations encountered in human services professions. Up-to-date practice examples drawn from eight diverse case studies illustrate the range and versatility of the behavior change approach in an increasingly diverse and multicultural society, while an innovative chapter on clinical applications of behavioral and cognitive intervention techniques also addresses current influences in the field. This edition embraces the rigorous empirical foundations that have made this approach such a significant contributor to the national and international therapeutic milieu of the 21st century. During the past decade, research and practice in the field of behavior modification have experienced phenomenal growth. Behavioral inter vention strategies that were considered strictly experimental a few years ago are now accepted therapeutic modalities, and behavioral method ology has been instrumental in creating an atmosphere conducive to the development of scientific rigor in the area of mental health. But behav ioral influence has not been limited to mental health. There has been considerable impact in education, industry, government, and general health care. Although behavior modification has made a significant impact on psychology in general, there has been a noticeable lack of theorizing and empirical research on issues primarily related to black populations. In fact, the black community in general, and black psychologists in partic ular, often have viewed behavioral approaches with suspicion. We hope that the material presented in this volume will serve to clarify what the behavioral approach is and what it is not and that it will help to foster an understanding of the behavioral approach. Moreover, empirical data demonstrating the effectiveness of behavioral procedures with black populations are presented. It is our hope that the material will provide some insight into how behavioral theory, methodology, and therapeutic strategies can be used to the benefit of black mental health in particular and the overall psychological health of the black community in general. This book is an account of a personal journey through a research program. A number of people have helped guide my way. To them I am deeply grateful. Special thanks are offered to my students, whose constant stimulation and provocation were incentives to write this book. Moreover, in the belief that they would never show the initiative to put together a festschrift for me (Le., a book dedicated to someone for his contributions), I decided to do it myself. Several people cared enough to offer editorial criticisms, namely, Myles Genest, Barney Gilmore, Roy Cameron, Sherryl Goodman, and Dennis Turk. The reader benefits from their perspicacity. Finally, to my parents, who taught me to talk to myself, and to my family, without whose constant input this book would have been completed much sooner, but would have been much less fun, I dedicate this book. D.M. 5
TL;DR: In defense of animals by J. J. McCoy (1978) as mentioned in this paper is one of an increasing number of such volumes concerned with ethical questions and the humane treatment of nonhuman animals, and it should be of concern to all who interact with non-human animals in their homes, in their laboratories, or elsewhere.
Abstract: Originally published in Contemporary Psychology: APA Review of Books, 1979, Vol 24(10), 876. Reviews the book, In defense of animals by J. J. McCoy (1978). This book is one of an increasing number of such volumes concerned with ethical questions and the humane treatment of nonhuman animals. The issues raised in these books should be of concern to all who interact with nonhuman animals in their homes, in their laboratories, or elsewhere. The present volume addresses matters such as the treatment of pets, animals in transit, hunting, animals in show business, and animals in sport. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)