Why Behavior Analysis Needs a Reality TV Show

I have a dream of a reality TV show for behavior analysis. The idea would be that each week there would be some sort of objective challenge. Maybe week 1 is mand training. In week 2, contestants face the problem behavior challenge. Each challenge has clear measurement procedures and the worst BCBAs get voted out of the clinic each week.

Although I realize the ethical challenges such a show might face, I think it might potentially have a variety of huge benefits:

  1. People would clearly see the large differences in quality that currently exist. It would encourage everyone to Poogi.
  2. If there were more video of great therapy online it might make it easier for the whole field to POOGI.
  3. We might learn a lot about what does and does not work under practical conditions and get great research ideas.

Yes, I know it is never going to happen. Although if you are an interested TV producer, send me a message!

On the other hand, reality-TV-show-like situations happen all the time in practice — The BCBA or the RBT changes, one behavior plan has failed and a new one is tried, an expert comes in to do a consultation, the child moves to a new school or gets a new teacher, or a hundred other natural experiments. This is often a huge opportunity to learn and POOGI.

We probably are not going to get our own reality TV show, but be sure to pay careful attention when these natural experiments occur. It can show you what works under real-world conditions.

Behavior analytic services should only be delivered in the context of a professional relationship. Nothing written in this blog should be considered advice for any specific individual. The purpose of the blog is to share my experience, not to provide treatment. Please get advice from a professional before making changes to behavior analytic services being delivered. Nothing in this blog including comments or correspondence should be considered an agreement for Dr. Barry D. Morgenstern to provide services or establish a professional relationship outside of a formal agreement to do so. I attempt to write this blog in “plain English” and avoid technical jargon whenever possible. But all statements are meant to be consistent with behavior analytic literature, practice, and the professional code of ethics. If, for whatever reason, you think I’ve failed in the endeavor, let me know and I’ll consider your comments and make revisions, if appropriate. Feedback is always appreciated as I’m always trying to POOGI.
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