Post-Modern Behavior Analysis

During my graduate seminar on Behavior Analysis this summer, Dr. Malott often discussed the term "Post-Modern Behavior Analysis." I'm pretty sure that Dr. Malott coined the term, because a wikipedia.org search turned up zero results, and I'm not aware of it's usage in a text book, research article, or presentation.

Post-Modern Behavior Analysis is an approach in which the behavior analyst applies interventions that are ultimately aimed to improve the quality of life of the individual, a group of individuals, or society, continuously and thoroughly. (Note: this definition is based off of Malott's lectures. I'm not taking credit; I just like talking about philosophy.)

What is so special about Post-Modern Behavior Analysis? The key terms are "continuously and thoroughly". Yesterday during my seminar on Behavior Analysis, one of my students asked me if it is common for behavioral interventions to include follow-ups, or maintenance procedures to make sure that the changes in the behavior are "permanent". And sadly, I had to answer "no". A majority of the interventions do not include this important element. Some scholarly journals now require that researchers do a 6-month follow-up. However, 6-months is a small period of time when you consider an entire life span of behavioral history.

A lot, if not most, of the articles published in scholarly journals in the field of behavior analysis are products of thesis or dissertation studies conducted by graduate students. It is very typical for a graduate student to enter an environment, make some wonderful changes, and then leave once the research has been completed. Often this research provides some wonderful insight on behavioral tools and technology. However, that technology is only as good as how it is implemented. Once the study is over, things always fall apart, and they go back to the way they once were. Making a temporary adjustment to a system does not provide a permanent solution to the problem. In order for the results of an intervention to maintain forever, the intervention must be maintained forever.

Some interventions may need 24/7 support, and some may only need to be checked on once every 10 years. However, it is the goal of the individual practicing Post-Modern Behavior Analysis to stick with the intervention until they are no longer physically able to do so. Even then, a thoroughgoing Post-Modern Behavior Analyst would set up a maintenance system to continue after they die, ensuring that all possible measures have been taken to keep the intervention/system in place.

Here's an example: at age 2 an individual is given the "autism" label. The student enters a special-education school and is provided with quality discrete trial training based on the principles of behavior. As the student progress through the educational system, a trained behavior analyst follows them every step of the way, constantly applying new and improved behavioral interventions that improve the quality the student's life. After the student graduates, the behavior analyst stays in touch with the individual, making changes and modifications as needed. According to Malott, if it so happens that an article is published in a scholarly journal, or a presentation or behavioral tool is designed, this is "icing on the cake".

Note that Post-Modern Behavior Analysis is purely a practitioner's model. Rigorous, experimental research is not normally conducted by practitioners. I don't foresee experimental researchers practicing this philosophical approach (although I'd be very pleased if someone could prove me wrong because this would only strengthen the philosophy).

The "ultimate intervention" is one that maintains itself forever. We must strive to create the ultimate intervention if we are to achieve the ultimate goal of Behavior Analysis: To save the world with Behavior Analysis.