Abstract: A Bayesian perspective on Ioannidis’s (2005) memorable statement that “Most Published Research Findings Are False” suggests a seemingly inescapable trade-off: It appears as if research hypotheses a...

Abstract: For the past two decades, behavioural ecologists have documented consistent individual differences in behavioural traits within species and found evidence for animal "personality". It is only relatively recently, however, that increasing numbers of researchers have begun to investigate individual differences in cognitive ability within species. It has been suggested that cognitive test batteries may provide an ideal tool for this growing research endeavour. In fact, cognitive test batteries have now been used to examine the causes, consequences and underlying structure of cognitive performance within and between many species. In this review, we document the existing attempts to develop cognitive test batteries for non-human animals and review the claims that these studies have made in terms of the structure and evolution of cognition. We argue that our current test battery methods could be improved on multiple fronts, from the design of tasks, to the domains targeted and the species tested. Refining and optimising test battery design will provide many benefits. In future, we envisage that well-designed cognitive test batteries may provide answers to a range of exciting questions, including giving us greater insight into the evolution and structure of cognition.

Abstract: Exercise psychology has yet to produce intervention methods capable of increasing exercise and physical activity behavior in a sustainable manner. This situation is forcing a critical reevaluation of current conceptual models, especially the assumption that behavioral decisions are driven solely by the rational evaluation of information. Like other behavioral sciences, exercise psychology is transitioning to dual-process models that acknowledge the importance of non-reflective processes. Emerging evidence suggests that the pleasure or displeasure experienced during exercise may influence subsequent physical activity. These data raise the possibility of inactivity resulting from a conflict between positively evaluated information on health benefits and unpleasant affective experiences. Thus, researchers must devise methods to make exercise and physical activity more pleasant and enjoyable across the lifespan.

Abstract: In his article, “Microaggressions: Strong Claims, Inadequate Evidence,” Lilienfeld (2017, this issue) casts doubt on the veracity of microaggression theory and questions their existence, manifestation, and dynamics. From a selective review of the literature, he finds fault with the current state of the microaggression research program (MRP), lists 18 recommendations that would strengthen such programs, and concludes that the scientific status of the MRP is far too preliminary to warrant its dissemination to real-world contexts. He calls for an end to microaggression initiatives on college campuses until further scientific evidence supports their detrimental impact, and he asserts that not doing so will tarnish the reputation of psychology in the public eye. From the perspective of psychological science, he presents a compelling case in his article and even strikes a responsive chord to some of my own concerns about the state of MRP. In reading his review, however, I am left with a hollow feeling not so much based upon disagreements with the technical aspects of research, but with the invisibility of how Lilienfeld advocates arriving at the truth and what constitutes evidence. Let me address several major concerns. First, Lilienfeld fails to realize that there is more than one way to ask and answer questions about the human condition, that what constitutes evidence is often bathed in the values of the dominant society, and that scientific methods we employ often shortchange real-world contexts. It is not that his demand for more scientific rigor is misguided, but his story comes from only the perspective of the hunter and ignores that of the lion. Let me use an example to illustrate this point. Freshly out of my doctoral program and armed with a strong belief in the principles and practices of psychological science, I met a Nigerian scholar who found my unwavering commitment to empiricism amusing. He shared with me a tale often told to children in his country about a female elementary school teacher who posed a math problem to her class: “Suppose there are four blackbirds sitting on a tree branch. You take a slingshot and shoot one of them. How many are left?” A White student answered quickly, “That’s easy teacher. . . four take away one is three.” An equally eager Nigerian immigrant boy stated with equal certainty that the answer was “zero.” The teacher chuckled at the Nigerian youth, indicated the answer was wrong and suggested he study more math. From that day forth, the young boy seemed to withdraw from class activities and seldom spoke to his classmates or teacher. This story gets to the heart of the unspoken assumptions of psychological science, the epistemological issues it raises, and how power and privilege determines the nature of reality. If the teacher had pursued the reasons behind the Nigerian student’s answer, she might have heard the following: “If you shoot one bird, the others will fly away.” Herein lays a major worldview difference between that of the teacher and the African youth. From a Western science perspective, the math problem represents a hypothetical (abstract) situation that requires a literal (task) answer. From the perspective of the Nigerian student, however, his answer is based upon lived experience, a known relationship between birds, and an understanding of how the real (not hypothetical) world operates. Seen from the perspective of the hunter and the lion, both answers may be considered correct, but unfortunately, it is the hunter’s tale that determines “truth” and can result in cultural oppression (imposing one reality over another) with devastating consequences. For the Nigerian boy, he is left to feel invalidated, inadequate, and alienated from the curriculum and teacher. His school 664437 PPSXXX10.1177/1745691616664437SueMicroaggressions and “Evidence” research-article2017

Abstract: The present paper illustrates the breadth of research methods in the Social and Behavioural Sciences and how these may be applied to the issue of environmental microplastics. Microplastics are a human-caused problem and we need to understand the human dimension in order to address it. Nine key points are emphasised in this paper and follow from the key observation that humans, through their perceptions, decisions and actions, are pivotal to the issue of primary and secondary microplastics in the environment: (1) human perception and behaviour can be subject to systematic and rigorous scientific study, using theory-based hypothesis testing, measurement and statistical analysis; (2) qualitative methods can explore new areas of research and provide novel, in-depth insights; (3) best practice and recommendations exist for measuring social data; (4) quantitative cross-sectional approaches can test how important social factors are for key outcomes (e.g., the role of perceived risk, values, social norms for behaviour); (5) experimental quantitative approaches can compare randomised groups and study cause–effect relations; (6) certain limitations and challenges are unique to research with people; (7) communications and interventions (e.g., change campaigns, new regulation, education programmes) should be developed based on scientific insights into human thought and behaviour and then evaluated systematically; (8) social researchers should work towards developing standardised tools and protocols; and (9) social research on microplastics and its determinants is in its infancy and a number of important research questions remain to be addressed.

Abstract: Knowledge worker productivity is essential for competitive strength in the digital century. Small interventions based on insights from behavioural science makes it possible for knowledge workers to be more productive. In this point of view article, we outline and discuss a new management style which we label nudge management.

Abstract: The use of behavioural science to inform policy is one of the main developments in the social sciences over the last several decades. In this book, Adam Oliver offers an accessible introduction to the development of behavioural public policy, examining how behavioural economics might be used to inform the design of a broad spectrum of policy frameworks, from nudges, to bans on certain individual behaviours, to the regulation of the commercial sector. He also considers how behavioural economics can explain and predict phenomena as a challenge to economists' assumptions around how people perceive time, utility and money. The book offers an intellectual foundation for all those concerned with behavioural public policy, from academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students with a diverse range of disciplinary perspectives, such as economics, political science, sociology and anthropology, to policy makers and practitioners working directly with behavioural public policy in their everyday working lives.

Abstract: This book explores test adaptation, a scientific and professional activity now spanning all of the social and behavioural sciences. Adapting tests to various linguistic and cultural contexts is a critical process in today's globalized world, and requires a combination of knowledge and skills from psychometrics, cross-cultural psychology and others. This volume provides a step-by-step approach to cross-cultural test adaptation, emphatically presented as a melange between science and practice. The volume is driven by the first-hand practical experience of the author in a large number of test adaptation projects in various cultures, and is supported by the consistent scientific body of knowledge accumulated over the last several decades on the topic. It is the first of its kind: an in-depth treatise and guide on why and how to adapt a test to a new culture in such a way as to preserve its psychometric value.

Abstract: Research in behavioral economics has shown that small changes in the environment can make it easier for people to act and make decisions that support their goals. The Behavioral Interventions to Advance Self-Sufficiency (BIAS) project, launched in 2010, was the first major project to apply behavioral insights to the human services programs that serve poor and vulnerable families in the United States. The goal of the project — sponsored by the Office of Planning, Research and Evaluation of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and led by MDRC — was to learn how tools from behavioral science could be used to deliver program services more effectively and, ultimately, improve the well-being of low-income children, adults, and families. Following a systematic approach called behavioral diagnosis and design, 15 state and local agencies participated in the project, which consisted of identifying problems that are appropriate for behavioral interventions, designing interventions, and conducting rigorous tests — where appropriate — to determine whether the interventions improved outcomes. The team launched 15 tests of behavioral interventions, involving close to 100,000 clients, in eight of the participating agencies. These tests spanned three domains: child support, child care, and work support. While each intervention was customized to fit its context, all involved at least one of the behavioral principles described by the “SIMPLER” framework, which stands for social influence, implementation prompts, making deadlines, personalization, loss aversion, ease, and reminders. Evaluated through randomized controlled trials, all BIAS sites had at least one intervention with a statistically significant impact on a primary outcome of interest. The magnitude of the improvements typically ranged from 2 to 4 percentage points (in line with other behavioral research findings) — but, in several cases, impacts were much larger. These impacts may be considered large relative to the costs for the interventions, which ranged from $0.15 per person to $10.46 per person. The project’s findings suggest that small changes in, for instance, program outreach or the way that information is conveyed can help reduce some of the complexities that low-income populations face when they interact with human services agencies. While such “nudges” — defined as subtle and modest changes that help improve individual decision making — are shown to be an important aspect of the behavioral toolkit, the BIAS findings also suggest that it may be fruitful to extend the approach beyond program implementation to program design (at the local or state level) and policy formation (at the state or federal level). In this way, changes to program rules and agency practices may induce larger or longer-term changes in behavior among both clients and program staff.

Abstract: The use of behavioural science to inform policy is one of the main developments in the social sciences over the last several decades. In this book, Adam Oliver offers an accessible introduction to the development of behavioural public policy, examining how behavioural economics might be used to inform the design of a broad spectrum of policy frameworks, from nudges, to bans on certain individual behaviours, to the regulation of the commercial sector. He also considers how behavioural economics can explain and predict phenomena as a challenge to economists' assumptions around how people perceive time, utility and money. The book offers an intellectual foundation for all those concerned with behavioural public policy, from academics, undergraduate and postgraduate students with a diverse range of disciplinary perspectives, such as economics, political science, sociology and anthropology, to policy makers and practitioners working directly with behavioural public policy in their everyday working lives.

Abstract: Over the past twenty to thirty years, evaluation has become increasingly important to the field of public policy. The number of people involved and specializing in evaluation has also increased markedly. Evidence of this trend can be found in the ""International Atlas of Evaluation"", the establishment of new journals and evaluation societies, and the increase in systems of evaluation. Increasingly, the main reference point has become an assessment of the merit and value of interventions as such rather than the evaluator's disciplinary background. This growing importance of evaluation as an activity has also led to an increasing demand for the type of competencies evaluators should have. Evaluation began as a niche area within the social and behavioral sciences. It subsequently became linked to policy research and analysis, and has, more recently, become trans-disciplinary. This volume demonstrates an association between the evaluation tradition in a particular country or policy field and the nature of the relationship between social and behavioral science research and evaluative practice. This book seeks to offer comprehensive data, which lead to conclusions about patterns that transcend the gap between evaluation and the social scientific disciplines. ""Mind the Gap"" has a twofold aim. The first is to highlight and characterize the gap between evaluation practices and debates, and the substantive knowledge debates within the social and behavioral sciences. The second is to show why this gap is problematic for the practice of evaluation, while at the same time illustrating possible ways to build bridges. The book is centered on the value of producing useful evaluations grounded in social science theory and research.

Abstract: In this presentation, I describe a variety of research and psychological concepts across many domains in which I have been the pioneering investigator. Beginning with original research on creating evil, in my Stanford Prison Experiment, and then ending with a call for creating new-generation heroes who will help oppose the rise of right-wing totalitarian governments globally, it applies psychological wisdom to real-world problems. This personal journey also takes readers into original research on shyness, time perspectives, the negative impact of video gaming on young men, and finally introduces the Heroic Imagination Project, and its revolutionary educational programme, designed to inspire and train ordinary people to become everyday heroes.

Abstract: Big Data approaches have given rise to novel methodological tools to investigate human decisions and behaviors beyond what is possible with traditional forms of analysis. Like any other paradigm in the social and behavioral sciences, however, Big Data is not immune to a number of typical trade-offs: (1) Prediction versus explanation, pertaining to the overall research goals; (2) induction versus deduction, regarding the epistemological focus; (3) bigness versus representativeness in sampling approaches; and (4) data access versus scientific independence, addressing the forms of data usage. In this paper, we discuss these trade-offs and how Big Data and traditional approaches typically relate to them, and propose ways to overcome each trade-off by integrating advantages of different research approaches in the social and behavioral sciences with Big Data.

Abstract: An informed multidisciplinary understanding of the ways in which people experience, appraise, adapt, and respond to global climate change is a prerequisite to effectively managing the transition to a sustainable economy. In this paper, we argue that climate science has to date failed to fully appreciate the contribution that social and environmental psychology can make to such an understanding. We draw on findings from two large national Australian surveys to demonstrate how this perspective can contribute to knowledge, understanding, and policy formulation. Central to this perspective are processes of psychological adaptation, that is, processes through which individuals orient towards, make sense of, and ultimately come to terms with, the threat and reality of climate change. Such adaptive processes are shown to mediate relationships between environmental experiences and behavior, and hence provide the foundation for environmentally-friendly lifestyles. Rather than assuming that external sanctions and incentives are sufficient to engender sustainable lifestyle changes, a social and environmental psychology approach recognises and explores the complexities of the transactions that occur between individuals’ internal and external environments, emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation and self-determination, and suggests the need for initiatives that promote behaviors that are both environmentally and psychologically significant.

Abstract: A substantial literature in behavioural science and psychology shows that emotions affect human choices and values. This paper investigates whether such emotional impacts are also present in stated choice experiments for environmental goods. If this were so, it would introduce an additional element of context dependence to the welfare measures derived from such methods, and would be at odds with the rational choice model underlying welfare economics. A laboratory experiment using three different emotion treatments was combined with a stated preference choice experiment concerned with changes in coastal water quality and fish populations in New Zealand. No statistically significant effects of changes in emotional state on estimated preference parameters, willingness to pay or the randomness of choices were found. The paper concludes by questioning, why such a contrast exists with empirical findings in behavioural science.

Abstract: Regulators everywhere are confronted with the question of how to react to contractual pricing structures that serve to hide rather than reveal the real cost of goods and services and thereby abuse limitations in the cognitive competences of consumers. Given that sellers/service providers systematically make use of insights from behavioural sciences to refine their manipulative pricing techniques, regulators should also integrate scientific findings on human decision making to correct behavioural market failures through more tailored policy choices. A holistic approach regarding similar problems is still missing in the EU and the issue is often disguised behind a discussion on unfair terms control, which does not serve the purpose of finding a lasting solution. The aim of this article is twofold: first, to show the weaknesses of an ex post judicial control of pricing techniques, and second, to discuss policy tools which could counterbalance consumer biases on which the techniques rely.

Abstract: Despite the increasing body of evidences on the factors influencing leisure-time physical activity, our understanding of the mechanisms and interactions that lead to the formation and evolution of population patterns is still limited. Moreover, most frameworks in this field fail to capture dynamic processes. Our aim was to create a dynamic conceptual model depicting the interaction between key psychological attributes of individuals and main aspects of the built and social environments in which they live. This conceptual model will inform and support the development of an agent-based model aimed to explore how population patterns of LTPA in adults may emerge from the dynamic interplay between psychological traits and built and social environments. We integrated existing theories and models as well as available empirical data (both from literature reviews), and expert opinions (based on a systematic expert assessment of an intermediary version of the model). The model explicitly presents intention as the proximal determinant of leisure-time physical activity, a relationship dynamically moderated by the built environment (access, quality, and available activities) – with the strength of the moderation varying as a function of the person’s intention– and influenced both by the social environment (proximal network’s and community’s behavior) and the person’s behavior. Our conceptual model is well supported by evidence and experts’ opinions and will inform the design of our agent-based model, as well as data collection and analysis of future investigations on population patterns of leisure-time physical activity among adults.

Abstract: 1 http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/XXXXX-XXX APA Handbook of Comparative Psychology: Vol. 2. Evolution, Development, and Neural Substrate, J. Call (Editor-in-Chief) Copyright © 2017 by the American Psychological Association. All rights reserved. The last 3 decades have seen an extraordinary increase in studies of social learning in nonhuman animals and humans. The relevant literature is unusual in the range of backgrounds of authors making substantial empirical or theoretical contributions to our understanding of social influences on the acquisition of behavior. However, despite the diversity in the academic disciplines of those studying social learning, there has been general agreement as to the subject matter of the field. Indeed, we know of no one working in the area who would take exception to defining social learning as “learning that is influenced by observation of, or interaction with, a conspecific or its products” (Heyes, 1994, p. 207). As might be expected given the breadth of interests of those studying social learning in animals and the resultant scatter of relevant publications across specialized journals in many disciplines, the need for reviews of work in the area was recognized early in its history, and assessments of progress in social learning in general and in subareas of the field have been frequent (see Appendix 19.1). The present discussion builds on its predecessors, but differs in that, consistent with the topic of this handbook, we explicitly consider the study of social learning as a branch of comparative psychology. The first challenge to such an approach results from the considerable diversity of opinion concerning the defining features of this field of inquiry (reviewed in Demarest, 1980). Historically, the term comparative psychology has often been used in a rather general way to refer to the scientific study of behavior and cognition in nonhuman animals. This usage, however, led Konrad Lorenz to opine “I strongly resent it . . . when an American journal [the Journal of Comparative and Physiological Psychology] masquerades under the title of ‘comparative’ psychology, although to the best of my knowledge, no really comparative paper ever has been published in it” (Lorenz, 1950, pp. 239–240). Lorenz and other more biologically oriented researchers (e.g., Hodos & Campbell, 1969) advocated a comparative psychology focused on studies of similarities and dissimilarities in homologous behavioral traits of closely related species. Indeed, when Romanes (1884), Darwin’s protégé in matters behavioral, introduced the term comparative psychology into the modern scientific literature, he used the term in Lorenz’s sense, proposing that comparative psychology should be modeled on comparative anatomy, focused on comparisons between closely related species and tracing the evolution of morphological traits:

Abstract: Social learning can influence how animals respond to anthropogenic changes in the environment, determining whether animals survive novel threats and exploit novel resources or produce maladaptive behaviour and contribute to human-wildlife conflict. Predicting where social learning will occur and manipulating its use are, therefore, important in conservation, but doing so is not straightforward. Learning is an inherently biased process that has been shaped by natural selection to prioritize important information and facilitate its efficient uptake. In this regard, social learning is no different from other learning processes because it too is shaped by perceptual filters, attentional biases and learning constraints that can differ between habitats, species, individuals and contexts. The biases that constrain social learning are not understood well enough to accurately predict whether or not social learning will occur in many situations, which limits the effective use of social learning in conservation practice. Nevertheless, we argue that by tapping into the biases that guide the social transmission of information, the conservation applications of social learning could be improved. We explore the conservation areas where social learning is highly relevant and link them to biases in the cues and contexts that shape social information use. The resulting synthesis highlights many promising areas for collaboration between the fields and stresses the importance of systematic reviews of the evidence surrounding social learning practices.

Abstract: Purpose This commentary argues that social marketing and the application of behavioural sciences to policy constitute two converging paths towards better policies. It highlights points of convergence and divergence between both disciplines and the potential benefits of further embedding social marketing principles and methods within the recent trend of applying behavioural sciences to policy. Design/methodology/approach The commentary relies on a review of the behavioural sciences and social marketing literatures and on an analysis of institutional reports reviewing cases of behaviourally informed policies. Findings Behavioural sciences are increasingly informing policies to promote societal well-being. Social marketing has seldom been explicitly considered as being part of this phenomenon, although it is de facto. Both disciplines share similar end-goals, inform similar policy applications and are rooted in behavioural analysis. They diverge in their theoretical frameworks, their relative emphasis on behaviour change and the span of interventions they generate. Several benefits of embedding social marketing principles and methods within the current way of applying behavioural sciences to policy are identified. Practical implications Scholars applying behavioural sciences to policy are encouraged, when appropriate, to use the insights and methods from social marketing. Social marketing can engage in a dialogue with behavioural sciences to explore how to pilot the convergence of both approaches in practice. Originality/value The novelty of this contribution lies in providing the first comparison of the application of behavioural sciences to policy with social marketing, and in using the policy-making cycle framework to map the contributions and complementarities of both disciplines.

Abstract: The brand new edition of this highly readable text presents succinct information about how neurological, psychological, social and behavioral processes interact and together contribute to the health and wellness of individuals Based around but expanding on the Integrated Sciences Model, and integrating the Institute of Medicine's key themes for medical training, this latest edition is organized in sections covering: Brain Systems Homeostatic Systems and Disorders Individual-Environment Interaction Development Through the Life Cycle Social and Cultural Issues Societal and Behavioral Health Challenges The Health Care System, Policy, and Economics The Clinical Relationship Psychopathology New chapters deal with Nutrition, Metabolism, and Feeding Disorders, Physician Health, Impairment, and Misconduct, the Psychiatric Evaluation, Principles of Psychotherapy, and Dementia Clear appendices review principles of epidemiology and bio-statistics Each chapter begins with guidance questions and ends with current recommended readings and review questions A complete 350+ question-and-answer multiple choice-type review section not only allows readers to assess how well they have learned the material, but also highlights important points and adds additional specific information to supplement the text

Abstract: Globally, safe and effective medication administration relies on nurses being able to apply strong drug calculation skills in their real-life practice, in the face of stressors and distractions. These may be especially prevalent for nurses in low-income countries such as Mozambique and Continuing Professional Development post-registration may be important. This study aimed to 1) explore the initial impact of an international health partnership’s work to develop a drug calculation workshop for nurses in Beira, Mozambique and 2) reflect upon the role of health psychologists in helping educators apply behavioural science to the training content and evaluation. In phase one, partners developed a training package, which was delivered to 87 Portuguese-speaking nurses. The partnership’s health psychologists coded the training’s behaviour change content and recommended enhancements to content and delivery. In phase two, the refined training, including an educational game, was delivered to 36 nurses in Mozambique and recoded by the health psychologists. Measures of participant confidence and intentions to make changes to healthcare practice were collected, as well as qualitative data through post-training questions and 12 short follow-up participant interviews. In phase one six BCTs were used during the didactic presentation. Most techniques targeted participants’ capability to calculate drug doses accurately; recommendations aimed to increase participants’ motivation and perceived opportunity, two other drivers of practice change. Phase two training included an extra seven BCTs, such as action planning and further skills practice. Participants reported high confidence before and after the training (p = 0.25); intentions to use calculators to check drug calculations significantly increased (p = 0.031). Qualitative data suggested the training was acceptable, enjoyable and led to practice changes, through improved capability, opportunity and motivation. Opportunity barriers to medication safety were highlighted. Reporting and measuring medication errors and related outcomes is a complex challenge affecting global efforts to improve medication safety. Through strong partnership working, a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals including health psychologists developed, refined and begin to evaluate a locally-led drug calculation CPD workshop for nurses in a low-resource setting. Applying behavioural science helped to collect feasible evaluation data and hopefully improved impact and sustainability.

Abstract: This article offers solutions to two historically unresolved subject matter problems in psychology: (a) What is a “person”? And, (b) what is the “self”? Part 1 of the article presents Peter Ossorio’s (2006) Descriptive Psychologically based answer to the first of these questions, an answer that comprises a paradigm case formulation of the concept “person” itself, as well as a parametric analysis for describing individual persons. Part 2 of the article presents a new solution to the second question. The solution is a disarmingly simple one in which “self” or “I,” consistent with actual usage, means simply and essentially “this person”—this holistically considered, embodied, conscious, deliberate actor that I intend when I use the terms “I” or “me” or “myself”—as opposed to “that person,” the specific individual I intend when I say “he” or “she” or “herself.” The ways in which this formulation (a) uniquely possesses an empirical grounding, (b) avoids many historical problems that have arisen in trying to delineate the nature of the self, and (c) integrates the field of self psychology, are all demonstrated. The article provides logical and empirical arguments in support of both of its formulations, as well as for the importance of the science of psychology possessing such formulations of its core subject matter.

Abstract: The contextual behavioral science (CBS) tradition is now carrying the baton passed forward by its progenitor, B. F. Skinner: a request to explore the implications of evolution science concepts for behavioral science. This article examines the 30-year history of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) research in the light of modern evolution science concepts. It distills an evolutionary approach into six interlocking features: variation, selection, retention, context, dimension, and level. Most of these dimensions have been touched upon in RFT research to date. By making the connection between CBS and evolution science explicit, however, important lines of existing and potential RFT research are emphasized and key evolutionary concepts that have not been emphasized are given greater weight. CBS researchers in general, and RFT researchers in particular, are positioned to carry the evolution science baton and to use it to help advance a natural science of behavior. It will need to be gasped firmly as CBS runs through the ultimate challenge faced by behavioral science: creation of a comprehensive and pragmatic analysis of human language and cognition.

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition increasing in overall prevalence and consequently impacting on the number of adolescents seeking post-school employment. A systematic literature review was conducted on the predictors of successful outcomes for adolescents with ASD post-compulsory education. An extensive search in education, psychology and behavioural sciences yielded 297 articles and eight satisfied all inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the included articles was assessed using an established criteria list. Four predictors were identified: supported workplace intervention, ASD traits and behavioural intervention, functional independence intervention, and family advocacy intervention. From the review, it is recommended that future research in this area may benefit from using samples across a variety of populations in order to determine whether similar interventions apply to these samples. Strengths of the findings of this review include consistent outcomes across different study designs in the four identified domains. The recency of the findings makes them relevant for families, education policy and legislation and practitioners.