Subject Selection in Applied Behavior Analysis

Abstract

Past researchers have commented on the role of specifying relevant subject characteristics in determining the generality of experimental findings. Knowledge of subject selection criteria is important in interpreting and replicating research results. Such knowledge, as compared with many other historical and demographic characteristics of the subject, is likely to be related to a procedure's effectiveness. Data indicated that the majority of articles published in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis do not provide an adequate description of subject selection criteria. The failure to provide detailed information concerning subject selection criteria can prevent systematic replication of research results. The relatively low cost inclusion of complete descriptions of subject selection criteria would enhance the generality of applied behavior analysis research by facilitating systematic inductive manipulations and replications.