A systematic review of the observer effect as a training methodology

Abstract

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Within the field of applied behavior analysis, behavior analysts are service providers who routinely contribute collaboratively for the purpose of developing and evaluating treatment plans for children diagnosed with ASD. However, there is currently a lack of evidence-based and efficient training methodology aimed to teach critical vocal and non-vocal verbal behaviors necessary to successfully collaborate with other professionals. An efficient training methodology, the observer effect, has been demonstrated as a means of teaching a variety of novel skills across a range of populations. The purpose of this review was to evaluate and categorize the current literature pertaining to the observer effect. Within this systematic review, the author assessed eighteen research articles for which the observer effect was utilized across different training formats. The articles assessed through this process demonstrated effectiveness in teaching a variety of skills across varying training modalities encompassing the observer effect. Avenues for future research and implications for developing training procedures are also included.