My OBM Story: Michael Clayton

My Graduate Education:
Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

My Current Job Title:
Assistant Professor of Psychology

My Current Area of Research:
Using antecedents and consequences to modify seat belt, turn signal, and cell phone use while driving. Also, related interventions involving recycling, antibacterial soap use, and cleaner public restrooms.

How I Became Interested In OBM:
A graduate course in OBM taught by Linda Hayes at the University of Nevada, Reno. We used Tom Gilbert’s “Human Competence” book and it changed my life. Gilbert’s book should be required reading for all students interested in Behavior Analysis.

My first OBM study involved providing performance feedback to social workers at a developmental center. Using public and private feedback, I was able to increase the amount of time caseworkers spent with their clients. The procedure was so well received that the administration and staff asked me to formalize the system so that they could continue its use after I left.

Being able to design and implement a procedure that staff liked using and having an impact beyond the walls of the treatment center made me a committed member of the OBM field.

Tom Mawhinney’s feedback and advice during my graduate career was very influential as well.

Why I Like OBM:
I have always preferred to change behavior on a larger scale than simply one-on-one. With OBM, I can use behavior change procedures originally developed with individual organisms to change the behavior of employees and communities.
Also, the field of OBM is very diverse and welcoming to student members. It is a very personable group of professionals that constitute the high-point of every ABA for me. Everyone is very supportive and there is a sense of excitement in the field that I don’t notice with other groups.

What A Typical Day In My Job Looks Like:

Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
Meeting with student assistants, site contacts and staff.
Designing and conducting research studies. Writing research papers.

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