| Abstract: | Reanalyzed G. R. Patterson's (see record 1974-32972-001) data on 27 conduct problem boys which showed moderate success of his behavioral intervention procedures in reducing noxious behaviors and the persistence of this improvement in a follow-up study. It is noted that, although posttreatment means were based on observations of all 27 Ss, the mean at 12-mo follow-up reflects data from only 16 Ss (59% of the original sample). A recomputation of means using only the 16 Ss for whom measures from baseline through the 12-mo follow-up were available revealed substantially diminished treatment effects. The absence of an appropriate control group is also cited as an inadequacy in Patterson's investigation. A comparison of the level of deviant behavior of Ss during baseline with that of dropouts and normal Ss also indicated that the 16 Ss who completed the study were significantly less deviant in the home during baseline than dropouts, but not significantly different from normals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
