An Evaluative Review of Social Validation Research Involving Persons with Handicaps

Abstract

In the past 10 years, the field of special education has witnessed a substantial increase in the use of social validation procedures in applied behavioral research involving persons with handicaps. These procedures have become an important component in evaluating the effectiveness of research in this area. A review of social validation research involving persons with handicaps is presented. The literature is divided into three areas for review purposes: (a) social validation methods and results, (b) methodological issues, and (c) conclusions. We conclude that social validation procedures are appropriate for and are an important component of applied behavior analysis. Suggestions for improving methodology and recommendations for future research are discussed.