Promoting Positive Behavior Using the Good Behavior Game: A Meta-Analysis of Single-Case Research. (July 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bowman-Perrott, Lisa; Burke, Mack D.; Zaini, Samar; Zhang, Nan; Vannest, Kimberly
• Is Part Of: Journal of positive behavior interventions. Volume 18:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 180
• Page End: 190
• Publication Date: 2016-07
• Subjects: behavior(s) -- challenging -- intervention(s) -- single-case designs -- meta-analysis -- studies; Behavior therapy for children -- Periodicals; Behavior therapy for teenagers -- Periodicals; 153.85
• DOI: 10.1177/1098300715592355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1098-3007

Abstract

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a classroom management strategy that uses an interdependent group-oriented contingency to promote prosocial behavior and decrease problem behavior. This meta-analysis synthesized single-case research (SCR) on the GBG across 21 studies, representing 1, 580 students in pre-kindergarten through Grade 12. The TauU effect size across 137 phase contrasts was .82 with a confidence interval 95% CI = [0.78, 0.87], indicating a substantial reduction in problem behavior and an increase in prosocial behavior for participating students. Five potential moderators were examined: emotional and behavioral disorder (EBD) risk status, reinforcement frequency, target behaviors, GBG format, and grade level. Findings suggest that the GBG is most effective in reducing disruptive and off-task behaviors, and that students with or at risk for EBD benefit most from the intervention. Implications for research and practice are discussed.