_Lerman and Vorndran have undertaken a heroic task. They have reviewed the human and nonhuman basic behavior-analytic research and the applied behavior-analytic research on the effects of punishment and then made recommendations for the use of punishment to reduce problem behavior. They demonstrate that the effects of punishment vary as a function of other prevailing conditions, such as past and concurrent reinforcement contingencies. Their review is extensive, thoughtful, and well balanced. Most of the recommendations that they make for treatment seem sound. The article provides an excellent review of the literature and makes many thoughtful recommendations for treatment.
_Although the authors clearly advocate additional research on punishment and the use of punishment in treatment of problem behaviors, they give a very well-balanced account of the potential limitations of punishment in the section on maintenance, generalization, and indirect effects. I speculate that readers will find the article educational and stimulating.