Ayllon, T., & Michael, J. (1959).
The psychiatric nurse as a behavioral engineer.
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior,
2, 323-334.
Psychiatric nurses were trained and supervised in various
techniques for controlling ward behavior in a mental hospital.
The techniques were based on reinforcement theory, and involved
the withholding and dispensing of social approval, stimulus
satiation, and the use of an aversive stimulus in avoidance and
escape behavior. The results were very encouraging, and further
work is underway.