Skip to main content
Log in

Selection by Consequences: One Unifying Principle for a Transdisciplinary Science of Prevention

  • Published:
Prevention Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The principle of selection by consequences is critical to the analysis of a broad range of phenomena in the biological and behavioral sciences from the evolution of species to the selection of cultural practices. This paper reviews the role of that principle in diverse areas of the biobehavioral sciences and discusses how it can provide one dimension along which the diverse disciplines relevant to the prevention of problems of human behavior can be integrated. Such integration should improve the ability of prevention science to reduce the incidence and prevalence of human behavior problems.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Albrecht, G. S. (Ed.) (1994). Advances in medical sociology, Vol. 4: Reconsideration of models of health behavior change. Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Austin, J., Kessler, M. L., Riccobono, J. E., & Bailey, J. (1996). Using feedback and reinforcement to improve the performance and safety of a roofing crew. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 16(2), 49-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayllon, T., & Kelly, K. (1972). Effects of reinforcement on standardized test performance. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 477-484.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1974). Behavior theory and the models of man. American Psychologist, 29(12), 859-869.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bandura, A. (1978). The self system in reciprocal determinism. American Psychologist, 33(4), 344-358.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bardo, M. T. (1998). Neuropharmacological mechanisms of drug reward: Beyond dopamine in the nucleus accumbens. Critical Reviews in Neurobiology, 12, 37-67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bardo, M. T., Donohew, R. L., & Harrington, N. G. (1996). Psychobiology of novelty seeking and drug seeking behavior. Behavioural Brain Research, 77, 23-43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Barrish, H. H., Saunders, M., & Wolf, M. M. (1969). Good behavior game: Effects of individual contingencies for group consequences on disruptive behavior in a classroom. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2(2), 119-124.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bauman, K. E., & Ennett, S. T. (1996). On the importance of peer influence for adolescent drug use: Commonly neglected considerations. Addiction, 91, 185-198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Becker, G. S. (1993). Human capital. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bickel, W. K., & DeGrandpre, R. J. (1996). Modeling drug abuse policy in the behavioral economics laboratory. In L. Green & W. K. Bickel (Eds.), Advances in behavioral economics, Vol. 3 (pp. 69-95). Norwood, NJ: Ablex.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bickel, W. K., & Marsch, L. A. (2001). Toward a behavioral economic understanding of drug dependence: Delay discounting processes. Addiction, 96, 73-86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bickel, W. K., & McLellan, A. T. (1996). Can management outcome invigorate substance abuse treatment? Microincentives and the quality of care. The American Journal on Addictions, 5, 281-291.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bickel, W. K., & Vuchinich, R. (Eds.) (2000). Reframing health behavior change with behavioral economics. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A. (1993, January). Recapturing Skinner's legacy to behavior therapy. Behavior Therapist, 3-5.

  • Biglan, A. (1995). Changing cultural practices: A contextualist framework for intervention research. Reno, NV: Context Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., & Hayes, S. C. (1996). Should the behavioral sciences become more pragmatic? The case for functional contextualism in research on human behavior. Applied and Preventive Psychology, 5(1), 47-57.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., Henderson, J., Humphreys, D., Yasui, M., Whisman, R., Black, C., & James, L. E. (1995). Mobilising positive reinforcement to reduce youth access to tobacco. Tobacco Control, 4, 42-48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., Hops, H., & Sherman, L. (1988). Coercive family processes and maternal depression. In R. D. Peters & R. J. McMahon (Eds.), Social learning and systems approaches to marriage and the family. New York: Brunner/Mazel.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., & Metzler, C. W. (1998). A public health perspective for research on family-focused interventions. In R. S. Ashery, E. B. Robertson, & K. L. Kumpfer (Eds.), Drug abuse prevention through family interventions. NIDA Research Monograph 177, NIH Publication #994135. Washington, DC: National Institute on Drug Abuse.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., & Smolkowski, K. (2002). Intervention effects on adolescent drug use and critical influences on the development of problem behavior. In D. B. Kandel (Ed.), Stages and pathways of drug involvement: Examining the Gateway Hypothesis (chap. 8). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., & Taylor, T. (2000a). Why have we been more successful in reducing tobacco use than violent crime? American Journal of Community Psychology, 28, 269-302.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biglan, A., & Taylor, T. (2000b). Increasing the use of science to improve child-rearing. Journal of Primary Prevention, 21, 207-226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blass, E. M., & Camp, A. (2001). The ontogeny of face recognition: Eye contact and sweet taste induce face preference in 9-and 12-week-old human infants. Developmental Psychology, 37(6), 762-774.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brigham, T. A., & Sherman, J. A. (1968). An experimental analysis of verbal imitation in preschool children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 151-158.

    Google Scholar 

  • Budney, A. J., Higgens, S. T., Delaney, D. D., Kent, L., & Bickel, W. K. (1991). Contingent reinforcement of abstinence with individuals abusing cocaine and marijuana. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 24, 657-665.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bunck, T. J., & Iwata, B. A. (1978). Increasing senior citizen participation in a community-based nutritious meal program. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 75-86.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cameron, J., & Pierce, W. D. (1994). Reinforcement, reward, and intrinsic motivation: A meta-analysis. Review of Educational Research, 64, 363-423.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capaldi, D. M., & Clark, S. (1998). Prospective family predictors of aggression toward female partners for at-risk young men. Developmental Psychology, 34, 1175-1188.

    Google Scholar 

  • Capaldi, D. M., Dishion, T. J., Stoolmiller, M., & Yoerger, K. (2000). The contribution of male adolescent friendships to aggression toward female partners in young adulthood in an at-risk sample. Developmental Psychology, 37(1), 61-73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaloupka, F. J., Grossman, M., & Saffer, H. (1998). The effects of price on the consequences of alcohol use and abuse. In M. Galanter (Ed.), Recent developments in alcoholism: The consequences of alcoholism (pp. 331-346). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chaloupka, F. J., & Pacula, R. L. (2000). Economics and health behavior: The economic analysis of substance use and abuse. In W. K. Bickel & R. E. Vuchinich (Eds.), Reframing health behavior change with behavioral economics. Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chamberlain, P., & Reid, J. B. (1994). Differences in risk factors and adjustment for male and female delinquents in treatment foster care. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 3, 23-39.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chomsky, N. (1971). The case against B. F. Skinner. The New York Review of Books, 17, 18-24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chubb, J. E., & Moe, T. M. (1990). Politics, markets, and America's schools. Washington, DC: The Brookings Institution.

    Google Scholar 

  • Condiotte, M. M., & Lichtenstein, E. (1981). Self-efficacy and relapse in smoking cessation programs. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 49(5), 648-658.

    Google Scholar 

  • Day, H. M., Horner, R. H., & O'Neill, R.E. (1994). Multiple functions of problem behaviors: Assessment and intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 27, 279-289.

    Google Scholar 

  • DeVries, M. (1984). Temperament and infant mortality among the Masai of East Africa. American Journal of Psychiatry, 10, 141.

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond, J. M. (1997). Guns, germs, and steel: The fates of human societies. New York: W.W. Norton.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dinkmeyer, D., & McKay, G. (1976). Systematic training for effective parenting. Circle Pines, MN: American Guidance Service.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T. J., McCord, J., & Poulin, F. (1999). When interventions harm: Peer groups and problem behavior. American Psychologist, 54, 755-764.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dishion, T. J., Spracklen, K. M., Andrews, D. W., & Patterson, G. R. (1996). Deviancy training in male adolescents friendships. Behavior Therapy, 27, 373-390.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dolan, L. J., Kellam, S. G., Brown, C. H., & Werthamer-Larsson, L. (1993). The short-term impact of two classroom-based preventive interventions on aggressive and shy behaviors and poor achievement. Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, 14, 317-345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Embry, D. D. (1997). Does your school have a peaceful environment? Using an audit to create a climate for change and resiliency. Intervention in School and Clinic, 32, 217-222.

    Google Scholar 

  • Embry, D. D., Flannery, D. J., Vazsonyi, A. T., Powell, K. E., & Atha, H. (1996). PeaceBuilders: A theoretically driven, school-based model for early violence prevention. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 12, 91-100.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fishbein, D. H. (2000). The science, treatment, and prevention of antisocial behaviors. Application to the criminal justice system. Kingston, NJ: Civic Research Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flay, B. R., Allred, C. G., & Ordway, N. (2001). Effects of the Positive Action program on achievement and discipline: Two matched-control comparisons. Prevention Science, 2, 71-89.

    Google Scholar 

  • Flay, B. R., & Petraitis, J. (1994). The theory of triadic influence: A new theory of health behavior with implications for preventive interventions. In G. S. Albrecht (Ed.), Advances in medical sociology, Vol. 4 (pp. 19-44). Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Friedman, M., & Friedman, R. (1990). Free to choose: A personal statement. (2nd ed.). New York: Harcourt Brace.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fries, J. F., Koop, C. E., Sokolov, J., Beadle, C. E., & Wright, D. (1998). Beyond health promotion: Reducing need and demand for medical care. Health Affairs, 17, 70-84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Garcia, E., Guess, D., & Byrnes, J. (1973). Development of syntax in a retarded girl using procedures of imitation, reinforcement, and modeling. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 299-310.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glantz, M. D., Weinberg, N. Z., Miner, L. L., & Colliver, J. D. (1999). The etiology of drug abuse: Mapping the paths. In M. D. Glantz & C. R. Hartel (Eds.), Drug abuse origins and interventions. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Glover, J., & Gary, A. L. (1976). Procedures to increase some aspects of creativity. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 79-84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goeders, N. E., & Guerin, G. F. (1994). Non-contingent electric footshock facilitates the acquisition of intravenous cocaine self-administration in rats. Psychopharmacology, 114, 63-70.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gordon, T. (1970). Parent effectiveness training: The 'no-lose' program for raising responsible children. New York: Peter H. Wyden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenwood, C. R., Sloane, H. N., Jr., & Baskin, A. (1974). Training elementary aged peer-behavior managers to control small group programmed mathematics. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 103-104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunn, B. K., & Kameenui, E. J. (1996). Three approaches to teaching phonological awareness: The effects on word recognition. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Eugene, Oregon: University of Oregon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Halberstam, D. (1987). The reckoning. New York: Morrow Avon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, R. V., Lund, C., & Jackson, D. (1968). Effects of teacher attention on study behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 1-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hall, V. R., Axelrod, S., Tyler, L., Grief, E., Jones, F. C., & Robertson, R. (1972). Modification of behavior problems in the home with a parent as observer and experimenter. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 5, 53-64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. (1977). Cannibals and kings: The origins of cultures. New York: Random House.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. (1979). Cultural materialism: The struggle for a science of culture. New York: Simon & Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. (1985). The sacred cow and the abominable pig: Riddles of food and culture. New York: Simon & Schuster.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harris, M. (1989). Our kind. New York: Harper & Row.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hart, B. M., Reynolds, N. J., Baer, D. M., Brawley, E. R., & Harris, F. R. (1968). Effect of contingent and non-contingent social reinforcement on the cooperative play of a preschool child. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 73-76.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C. (Ed.) (1989). Rule-governed behavior: Cognition, contingencies, and instructional control. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., Barnes-Holmes, D., & Roche, B. (Eds.) (2001). Relational frame theory: A post-Skinnerian account of human language and cognition. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., & Hayes, L. J. (1989). The verbal action of the listener as the basis for rule governance. In S. C. Hayes (Ed.), Rule-governed behavior: Cognition, contingencies, and instructional control (pp. 153-190). New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., & Hayes, L. J. (1992). Understanding verbal relations. Reno, NV: Context Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experimental approach to behavior change. New York: Guilford Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heard, K., & Watson, T. S. (1999). Reducing wandering by persons with dementia using differential reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 381-384.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henderson, J., Biglan, A., Black, C., Gaiser, E., Humphreys, D., Koehn, V., Levings, D., Smith, S., Whisman, R., Wright, Z., & Yasui, M. (1995). Reducing illegal sales of tobacco to minors. Eugene: Oregon Research Institute.

    Google Scholar 

  • Henson, F. O., II (1975). An investigation of the effects of token reinforcement on divergent verbal responding. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 8, 459.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herndon, E. J., & Mikulas, W. L. (1996). Using reinforcement-based methods to enhance membership recruitment in a volunteer organization. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 577-580.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herrnstein, R. J. (1970). On the law of effect. Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 13(2), 243-266.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hineline, P. N. (1976). Negative reinforcement and avoidance. In W. K. Honig & J. E. R. Staddon (Eds.), Handbook of operant behavior. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hineline, P. N. (1984). Aversive control: A separate domain? Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 42(3), 495-509.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hirsch, E. D. J. (1996). The schools we need and why we don't have them. New York: Doubleday.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holder, H. D. (1998). Alcohol and the community. A systems approach to prevention. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Holder, H. D., & Howard, J. M. (1992). Community prevention trials for alcohol problems. Westport, CT: Praeger.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hops, H., & Walker, H. M. (1988). CLASS (Contingencies for Learning Academic and Social Skills): A classroom behavior management program for children with acting-out behaviors. Delray Beach, FL: Educational Achievement Systems.

    Google Scholar 

  • Horner, R. D., & Keilitz, I. (1975). Training mentally retarded adolescents to brush their teeth. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 8, 301-309.

    Google Scholar 

  • Israel, A. C. (1978). Some thoughts on correspondence between saying and doing. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 271-276.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones, R. J., & Azrin, N. H. (1973). An experimental application of a social reinforcement approach to the problem of job-finding. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 345-353.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E. (1978). History of behavior modification: Experimental foundations of contemporary research. Baltimore, MD: University Park Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kelder, S. H., Maibach, E. W., Worden, J. K., Biglan, A., & Levitt, A. (2000). Planning and initiation of the ONDCP National Youth Anti-Drug Campaign. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 6, 14-26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G. (1999). Integrating prevention science strategies. Presidential address at the Seventh Annual Society for Prevention Research Conference, June 24-26, 1999, New Orleans.

  • Kellam, S. G., & Anthony, J. C. (1998). Targeting early antecedents to prevent tobacco smoking: Findings from an epidemiologi-cally based randomized field trial. American Journal of Public Health, 88, 1490-1495.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., Koretz, D., & Moscicki, E. K. (1999). Core elements of developmental epidemiologically based prevention research. Special Issue: Prevention science, Part 1. American Journal of Community Psychology, 27, 463-482.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kellam, S. G., Rebok, G. W., Ialongo, N. S., & Mayer, L. S. (1994). The course and malleability of aggressive behavior from early first grade into middle school: Results of a developmental epidemiologically based preventive trial. Journal of Child Psychology, 35, 259-281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kern, L., & Marder, T. J. (1996). A comparison of simultaneous and delayed reinforcement as treatments for food selectivity. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 243-246.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kohlenberg, R., & Phillips, T. (1973). Reinforcement and rate of litter depositing. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 6, 391-396.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kortick, S. A., & O'Brien, R. M. (1996). The world series of quality control: A case study in the package delivery industry. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 16, 77-93.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhn, T. S. (1970). The structure of scientific revolution, Second edition. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lahey, B. B., & Drabman, R. S. (1974). Facilitation of the acquisition and retention of sight-word vocabulary through token reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 307-312.

    Google Scholar 

  • Landsburg, S. E. (1993). The armchair economist. Economics and everyday life. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laub, J. H., & Sampson, R. J. (1995). The long-term effect of punitive discipline. In J. McCord (Ed.). Coercion and punishment in long-term perspectives (pp. 247-258). New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lepper, M. R., Greene, D., & Nisbett, R. (1973). Undermining children's intrinsic interest with extrinsic reward: A test of the 'overjustification' hypothesis. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 28, 129-137.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lichtenstein, E. (1971). Modification of smoking behavior: Good designs ineffective treatments. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 36(2), 163-166.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madden, G. J., & Bickel, W. K. (1999). Abstinence and price effects on demand for cigarettes: A behavioral-economic analysis. Addiction, 94(4), 577-588.

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen, C. H., Becker, W. C., & Thomas, D. R. (1968). Rules, praise, and ignoring: Elements of elementary classroom control. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 139-150.

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin, J. A. (1975). Generalizing the use of descriptive adjectives through modelling. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 8, 203-209.

    Google Scholar 

  • Matson, J. L., & Ollendick, T. H. (1977). Issues in toilet training normal children. Behavior Therapy, 8(4), 549-553.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mayer, G. R., Butterworth, T. W., Nafpaktitis, M., & Sulzer-Azaroff, B. (1983). Preventing school vandalism and improving discipline: A three-year study. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 16, 355-369.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, J. J. (1982). The importance of Herrnstein's mathematical statement of the law of effect for behavior therapy. American Psychologist, 37, 771-779.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, J. J. (1988). Matching theory in natural human environments. Behavior Analyst, 11(2), 95-109.

    Google Scholar 

  • McDowell, J. J. (1989). Two modern developments in matching theory. Behavior Analyst, 12(2), 153-166.

    Google Scholar 

  • McGinnis, J. C., Friman, P. C., & Carlyon, W. D. (1999). The effect of token rewards on 'intrinsic' motivation for doing math. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 32, 375-379.

    Google Scholar 

  • Messner, S. F., Krohn, M. D., & Liska, A. E. (1989). Theoretical integration in the study of crime and deviance. Albany, GA: SUNY Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Metzler, C. W., Biglan, A., Rusby, J. C., & Sprague, J. R. (2001). Evaluation of a comprehensive behavior management program to improve school-wide positive behavior support. Education and Treatment of Children, 24(4), 448-479.

    Google Scholar 

  • Meyers, A. W., Artz, L. M., & Craighead, W. E. (1976). The effects of instructions, incentive, and feedback on a community problem: Dormitory noise. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 445-457.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moe, T. M. (2001). Hidden demand. Education Matters, 1(1), 48-55. Retreived from http://www.educationnext.org

    Google Scholar 

  • Munk, D. D., & Repp, A. C. (1994). The relationship between instructional variables and problem behavior: A review. Exceptional Children, 60(5), 390-401.

    Google Scholar 

  • O'Leary, K. D., Becker, W. C., Evans, M. B., & Saudargas, R. A. (1969). A token reinforcement program in a public school: A replication and systematic analysis. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 2, 3-13.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ollendick, T. H., Matson, J. L., Esveldt-Dawson, K., & Shapiro, E. S. (1980). Increasing spelling achievement: An analysis of treatment procedures utilizing an alternating treatments design. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 13, 645-654.

    Google Scholar 

  • Palmgreen, P., & Donohew, L. (2003). Effective mass media for drug abuse prevention campaigns. In W. J. Bukoski & Z. Sloboda (Eds.), Handbook of drug abuse theory, science, and practice. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R. (1982). Coercive family process. Eugene, OR: Castalia Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., DeBaryshe, B. D., & Ramsey, E. (1989). A developmental perspective on antisocial behavior. Children and their development: Knowledge base, research agenda, and social policy application. [Special issue]. American Psychologist, 44, 329-335.

    Google Scholar 

  • Patterson, G. R., Reid, J. B., & Dishion, T. J. (1992). The parent training model. In Antisocial boys. A social interactional approach, Vol. 4. Eugene, OR: Castalia Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perry, C. L., Killen, J., Slinkard, L. A., & McAlister, A. L. (1980). Peer teaching and smoking prevention among junior high students. Adolescence, 15, 277-281.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peterson, R. F. (1968). Some experiments on the organization of a class of imitative behaviors. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 225-235.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ponting, C. (1991). A green history of the world. New York: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prudhomme-White, B., Gunnar, M. R., Larson, M. C., Donzella, B., & Barr, R. G. (2000). Behavioral and physiological responsivity, sleep, and patterns of daily cortisol production in infants with and without colic. Child Development, 71(4), 862-877.

    Google Scholar 

  • Raine, A. (1993). The psychopathology of crime: Criminal behavior as a clinical disorder. San Diego: Academic Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers, E. M. (1995). Diffusion of innovations. 4th ed. New York: Free Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rogers-Warren, A., & Baer, D. M. (1976). Correspondence between saying and doing: Teaching children to share and praise. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 335-354.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roll, J. M., Higgins, S. T., & Badger, G. J. (1996). An experimental comparison of three different schedules of reinforcement of drug abstinence using cigarette smoking as an exemplar. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 29, 495-504.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rooney, B. L., & Murray, D. M. (1996). A meta-analysis of smoking prevention programs after adjustment for errors in the unit of analysis. Health Education Quarterly, 23, 48-64.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sampson, R. J., & Laub, J. H. (1997). A life course theory of cumulative disadvantage and the stability of delinquency. In T. P. Thornberry (Ed.), Advances in criminological theory. New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schmitt, B. D. (1987). Seven deadly sins of childhood: Advising parents about difficult developmental phases. Child Abuse and Neglect, 1(3), 421-432.

    Google Scholar 

  • Schumaker, J., & Sherman, J. A. (1970). Training generative verb usage by imitation and reinforcement procedures. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 3, 273-287.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1938). The behavior of organisms: An experimental analysis. New York: Appleton-Century.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. New York: MacMillan.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1969). The contingencies of reinforcement: A theoretical analysis. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Skinner, B. F. (1972). The experimental analysis of behavior. In Cumulative record: A selection of papers (3rd ed.). New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, J. J., & Patterson, G. (1987). Family interaction and delinquent behavior. In H. C. Quay (Ed.), Handbook of juvenile delinquency. New York: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snyder, J. J., & Patterson, G. R. (1995). Individual differences in social aggression: A test of a reinforcement model of socialization in the natural environment. Behavior Therapy, 26, 371-391.

    Google Scholar 

  • Spear, L. P. (2000). The adolescent brain and age-related behavioral manifestations. Neuroscience Biobehavioral Review, 24(4), 417-463.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stitzer, M. L., & Bigelow, G. E. (1984). Contingent reinforcement for carbon monoxide reduction: Within-subject effects of pay amount. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 17, 477-483.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stitzer, M. L., Bigelow, G. E., Liebson, I. A., & Hawthorne, J. W. (1982). Contingent reinforcement for benzodiazepine-free urines: Evaluation of a drug abuse treatment intervention. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 15, 493-503.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stitzer, M. L., Rand, C. S., Bigelow, G. E., & Mead, A. M. (1986). Contingent payment procedures for smoking reduction and cessation. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 19, 197-202.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stokes, T. F., Fowler, S. A., & Baer, D. M. (1978). Training preschool children to recruit natural communities of reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 11, 285-303.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strain, P. S., & Timm, M. A. (1974). An experimental analysis of social interaction between a behaviorally disordered preschool child and her classroom peers. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 7, 583-590.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sulzer-Azaroff, B., Loafman, B., Merante, R. J., & Hlavacek, A. C. (1990). Improving occupational safety in a large industrial Biglan plant: A systematic replication. Journal of Organizational Behavior Management, 11(1), 99-120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, T. K., & Biglan, A. (1998). Behavioral family interventions: A review for clinicians and policymakers. Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 1, 41-60.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor, T. K., Eddy, J. M., & Biglan, A. (1999). Interpersonal skills training to reduce aggression and delinquent behavior. Limited evidence and the need for an evidence-based system of care. Journal of Clinical Child and Family Psychology Review, 2, 169-182.

    Google Scholar 

  • Taylor-Greene, S., Brown, D., Nelson, L., Longton, J., Gassman, T., Cohen, J., Swartz, J., Horner, R. H., Sugai, G., & Hall, Susannah (1997). School-wide behavioral support: Starting the year off right. Journal of Behavioral Education, 7, 99-112.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, R. H., Fisher, W. W., Piazza, C. C., & Kuhn, D. E. (1998). The evaluation and treatment of aggression maintained by attention and automatic reinforcement. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 31, 103-116.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thompson, R. H., & Iwata, B. A. (2001). A descriptive analysis of social consequences following problem behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 34, 169-178.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thorndike, E. L. (1932). Effects of punishment and of reward. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobler, N. S., Roona, M. R., Ochshorn, P., Marshall, D. G., Streke, A. V., & Stackpole, K. M. (2000). School-based adolescent drug prevention programs: 1998 meta-analysis. Journal of Primary Prevention, 20, 275-336.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tobler, N. S., & Stratton, H. H. (1997). Effectiveness of school-based drug prevention programs: A meta-analysis of the research. Journal of Primary Prevention, 18, 71-128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tuso, M. A., & Geller, E. S. (1976). Behavior analysis applied to environmental/ecological problems: A review. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 526.

    Google Scholar 

  • U.S. Charter Schools (n.d.). Retrieved November 25, 2001 from http://www.uscharterschools.org/pub/uscsdocs/gi/overview.htm#national.

  • U.S. Department of Education Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program (n.d.). Retrieved June 25, 2002 from http://www.ed.gov/offices/OESE/SDFS/

  • Walberg, H. J. (1984). Improving the productivity of America's schools. Educational Leadership, 41, 19-30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, H. M., & Buckley, N. K. (1968). The use of positive reinforcement in conditioning attending behavior. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 1, 245-250.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, H. M., Colvin, G., & Ramsey, E. (1995). Antisocial behavior in school: Strategies and best practices. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watkins, C. L. (1988, July). Project Follow-Through: A story of the identification and neglect of effective instruction. Education, pp. 7-11.

  • Webster-Stratton, C. (1984). Randomized trial of two parent-training programs for families with conduct-disordered children. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 52, 666-678.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., & Herbert, M. (1994). Strategies for helping parents of children with conduct disorders. In M. Hersen, R. M. Eisler, & P. M. Miller (Eds.), Progress in behavior mod-ification, Vol. 29 (pp. 121-142). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

    Google Scholar 

  • Webster-Stratton, C., & Herbert, M. (1994b). Troubled families—Problem children. In Working with parents: A collaborative process. Chichester, England: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weisberg, P. (1972). Social and nonsocial conditioning of infant vocalizations. In R. Ulrich & P. Mountjoy (Eds.), Experimental analysis of social behavior. New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts.

    Google Scholar 

  • Witmer, J. F., & Geller, E. S. (1976). Facilitating paper recycling: Effects of prompts, raffles, and contests. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 9, 315-322.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Biglan, A. Selection by Consequences: One Unifying Principle for a Transdisciplinary Science of Prevention. Prev Sci 4, 213–232 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026064014562

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1026064014562

Navigation