Acceptability of Alternative School-Based Interventions: The Influence of Reported Effectiveness and Age of Target Child

ABSTRACT

The acceptability of four school-based interventions was assessed as a function of the reported effectiveness of the procedure and the age of the target child. Undergraduates rated one of four interventions—differential reinforcement of incompatible behaviors (DRI), time out, corporal punishment, and the presence of the parent in the classroom as an observer—applied to either an 8-year-old third grade boy or to a 13-year-old eighth grade boy. Interventions were described as effective, not effective, or no information was provided. Results indicated that DRI was the most acceptable intervention, and corporal punishment was the least acceptable. Greater acceptability ratings were obtained when interventions were reported effective than ineffective, but only marginally greater than when no information about effectiveness was provided. Consistent with past research, the age of the targeted child was not found to be an influential factor for acceptability.