Increasing acceptability of alternative behavioral interventions through education

The extent to which information provided within the context of regular coursework affects acceptability ratings by prospective teachers of four common behavioral interventions (DRI, home-based reinforcement, ignoring, and time-out) was investigated. General learning principles as well as information about the specific interventions were covered in an educational psychology class (experimental group, n = 34), while control subjects (n = 39) did not receive these lectures. Prelecture acceptability ratings showed no differences between experimental subjects and controls, while postlecture ratings indicated significant increases in acceptability of all interventions except DRI for the experimental group. No increases were evidenced for control subjects. Implications for trainers and consultants are discussed.