In order to encourage research in generalisation, Drabman, Hammer, and Rosenbaum (1979) introduced a framework to categorise the various generalised effects of child behaviour therapy. Sixteen different potential classes of generalisation were identified. To ascertain the current status of generalisation in the child behaviour therapy literature and further encourage generalisation research, we reviewed articles that appeared in 28 journals over the past 12 years. Of 15,141 studies, only 424 involved children and presented data on generalisation. Results indicated that: (a) a small percentage of studies both involved children and presented data on generalisation (2.77%), (b) of these studies, most failed to meet our methodological criteria for demonstrating generalisation, (c) the generalisation map categories of time, maintenance, setting, and setting-time were the most frequently encountered, (d) there was a significant increase in reported instances of maintenance generalisation effects over the past 10 years when compared with data from our earlier paper, and (e) generalisation data were found concerning 15 of the 16 map classes. Implications of these data, methods of conceptualising generalisation, the generalisation trap, and antecedent strategies for promoting generalisation are discussed.

Proponents of between-group experimentation are quick to point out that parametric methods are superior to the experimental analysis of individual responses on the grounds that group statistical designs have external validity by virtue of random sampling and standardised rules and conventions for hypothesis testing. In contrast, advocates of single-case experimental designs invariably invoke the argument that a major limitation of between-group methodology is that the averaging of results masks individual differences. The data presented illustrate some strengths and weaknesses of both procedures and demonstrate that generalising from groups to individuals can be practically useless.

Detailed neuropsychological investigation of a schizophrenic patient found a deficit in functions usually attributed to the left parieto-occipital region. Interventions designed to exercise the putatively left parieto-occipital functions (‘understanding the verbal expression of spatial relationships’) and to exercise putatively right hemisphere functions (exercises based on Edwards' — ‘Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain’) were compared. The patient demonstrated lowest levels of hallucinatory behaviour, aggressive verbal outbursts, and physical aggression during phases when right hemisphere exercises were programmed. Possible reasons for this outcome are examined.

This study examined independent engagement in leisure activities of six institutionalised persons with profound multiple handicaps. Independent engagement was defined as manipulating leisure materials in the absence of concurrent resident-staff interactions. A 10-month intervention comprised leisure materials enrichment, assignment of staff duties including leisure activities manager, staff training and supervision. A time-series reversal design with momentary time sampled observations was used. Results showed increases and maintenance of not only engagement accompanied by staff interaction, but also of independent engagement. Resident-staff interaction was also increased and maintained. Problems and directions for future research are discussed.