"Behavioral Methods in Social Welfare" offers positive proof that behaviorism has come of age in social work. Steven Paul Schinke and the contributors to this volume are social work practitioners who document their attempts to extend the basic tenets of behavioral psychology from the laboratory, clinic, and classroom to the full range of client groups and social problems that make up the practice of social work. In social work education, traditionally to the extent it appeared in the curriculum at all, behavioral content appeared in electives or in courses not focused on practice. It is a true measure of progress that behavioral methods are now visible, integral component of social work education and practice.The authors of each piece in this collection indicate progress in developing an empirically based approach to social work practice. Despite the impressive documentation contained in the present volume, no conclusive evidence as to the effectiveness of behavioral methods exists. What behavioral methods do offer, however, is a systematic format for both problem intervention and evaluation that, over time, should produce a more empirically based practice. A promising sign, well documented in the present effort, is the facility with which this book has subjected practice procedures to the rigor of research and evaluation.This blending of clinical practice and research develops the sense of competence that student-practitioners acquire in understanding and controlling both the art and science of their clinical practice. Steven Schinke and his colleagues offer a series of "snapshots" of important work in process. Their collective portrait provides a fresh perspective and new stimulus for all social work practice, as well as an affirmation that disciplined, responsive, and sensitive social work intervention can make a difference in the lives of people.

Behavior modification has lacked operational procedures to sharpen techniques and equipment. These aspects have lagged behind the development of general principles and specialized modification techniques. This sophisticated sourcebook is devoted exclusively to the technical details of "how-to-do-it" in behavioral assessment and practice--an aspect of behavior modification that is relatively undeveloped despite its significance and that has only recently received the attention it deserves. The selections contained in this volume have been drawn from a variety of technical areas and are organized into six main parts. The first part emphasizes the importance of technology and procedure in the history of the field, and in the second part attention is given to guidelines for practice with individuals and families that may be employed with a wide variety of problems and patrons in many service settings. The next part, on interviewing guidelines and style, includes an interview guide for behavioral counseling and a general discussion of types of bias and therapist influence in behavioral assessment. Part four is concerned with observation, recording, and monitoring; and part five, on schedules and checklists, includes a variety of schedules and rating forms, including a therapist schedule for rating family verbal behavior. The last part, on instrumentation in behavior therapy, contains a chapter that is a major, comprehensive description and review of electromechanical devices applicable to behavior modification. Because the book covers procedural details, it serves not only as a sourcebook but as a volume every practicing behavior modifier, as well as researchers in behavior therapy and modification will find useful. Social workers, teachers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, pastoral counselors, and their students will appreciate this manual covering technical information required for effective practice.

Behavior modification has lacked operational procedures to sharpen techniques and equipment. These aspects have lagged behind the development of general principles and specialized modification techniques. This sophisticated sourcebook is devoted exclusively to the technical details of "how-to-do-it" in behavioral assessment and practice--an aspect of behavior modification that is relatively undeveloped despite its significance and that has only recently received the attention it deserves.

The selections contained in this volume have been drawn from a variety of technical areas and are organized into six main parts. The first part emphasizes the importance of technology and procedure in the history of the field, and in the second part attention is given to guidelines for practice with individuals and families that may be employed with a wide variety of problems and patrons in many service settings. The next part, on interviewing guidelines and style, includes an interview guide for behavioral counseling and a general discussion of types of bias and therapist influence in behavioral assessment. Part four is concerned with observation, recording, and monitoring; and part five, on schedules and checklists, includes a variety of schedules and rating forms, including a therapist schedule for rating family verbal behavior. The last part, on instrumentation in behavior therapy, contains a chapter that is a major, comprehensive description and review of electromechanical devices applicable to behavior modification.

Because the book covers procedural details, it serves not only as a sourcebook but as a volume every practicing behavior modifier, as well as researchers in behavior therapy and modification will find useful. Social workers, teachers, clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, pastoral counselors, and their students will appreciate this manual covering technical information required for effective practice.

"Behavioral Methods in Social Welfare" offers positive proof that behaviorism has come of age in social work. Steven Paul Schinke and the contributors to this volume are social work practitioners who document their attempts to extend the basic tenets of behavioral psychology from the laboratory, clinic, and classroom to the full range of client groups and social problems that make up the practice of social work. In social work education, traditionally to the extent it appeared in the curriculum at all, behavioral content appeared in electives or in courses not focused on practice. It is a true measure of progress that behavioral methods are now a visible, integral component of social work education and practice.

The authors of each piece in this collection indicate progress in developing an empirically based approach to social work practice. Despite the impressive documentation contained in the present volume, no conclusive evidence as to the effectiveness of behavioral methods exists. What behavioral methods do offer, however, is a systematic format for both problem intervention and evaluation that, over time, should produce a more empirically based practice. A promising sign, well documented in the present effort, is the facility with which this book has subjected practice procedures to the rigor of research and evaluation.

This blending of clinical practice and research develops the sense of competence that student-practitioners acquire in understanding and controlling both the art and science of their clinical practice. Steven Schinke and his colleagues offer a a series of "snapshots" of important work in process. Their collective portrait provides a fresh perspective and new stimulus for all social work practice, as well as an affirmation that disciplined, responsive, and sensitive social work intervention can make a difference in the lives of people.

"Steven Paul Schinke" has been director of social services at the Child Development and Mental Retardation Center at the University of Washington. He is currently professor of social work at Columbia University. His current research is focused on preventing alcohol abuse among high-risk youth. "Scott Briar" (1926-1998) was dean at the School of Social Work at the University of Washington. "James Whittaker" is professor of social work at the University of Washington. He is also the editor of Transaction's series Social Work Applications.