Issue 2 of volume 44 includes four manuscripts. First, Simmons et al. evaluate behavioral skills training (BST) to teach interview skills to college students. Interestingly, the BST was conducted entirely online in a synchronous format. The authors even include data on maintenance and generalization! This study should be of interest to those conducting or considering any form of online training.
Next, Johnson et al. provide a fascinating discussion on the use of punishment in organizational behavior management (OBM). After documenting the lack of recent research on punishment in applied behavior analysis in general and OBM in particular, they make the case that more research on this topic is needed. The authors don’t advocate for the use of punishment procedures but note that these procedures are routinely used in organizations. As behavioral scientists, we should be studying their effects. This paper is a must read for all!
Palmer and Johnson provide a captivating and novel discussion of the role of learning by observation in the context of organizations. These authors also discuss the observer effect and reactivity. Modeling and imitation are responsible for a lot of behavior in organizations and are a major component of many training programs (e.g., BST); this paper provides a succinct overview of these complex, important topics.
Finally, Johnson et al. describe the world of instructional design. All organizations need to train their employees. Thus, consultants and employees who specialize in instructional design are in high demand. Behavioral approaches to instructional design include starting with the desired outcome of training and emphasizing fluent performance. The authors describe in-person training, computer-based training, and hybrid formats. If you are not familiar with the design of training methods, this article is for you.
A special issue on Teaching Organizational Behavior Management is coming soon. I would also like to remind everyone that all issues of JOBM are now available to all Board Certified Behavior Analysts® via their BACB® account. As always, please send me any suggestions and feedback you may have regarding journal policies and practices. Electronic messages should be sent to [email protected].