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SCtIWITZGEBEL, ROBERT L., & ACKERLAND, VALERIE. Psychotechnology Supplement: A Compilation of Techniques and Apparatus for Behavior Modification. Psychotechnology Lab 8857 Central Avenue, Montclair, CA 91763. Pp. 63, $1.9~5.

This is an overview of the more commonly applied techniques and apparatus in the armamentarium of the practicing behavior therapist. The authors also define a variety of behavior methods, indicate when they should be used and point out the rationale supporting their application. The result is a concise but extremely lucid outline of tile principles and concepts underlying the technology of the behavior modifier.

A little over one-third of the text is taken up with the adventures of a cartoon character called, "Mr. Behavior Modification, Mod-Man for short." In witty, comic book style the authors show Mod-Man solving "The Case of the Terrible Tyrant," "The Case of the Hyperactive Student" and, finally, challenging "The Teenage Sloth."

No one formal behavior modification text exists that really holds the interest of the general public. Our teaching of behavior principles is especially weak when we try to educate people with less than a high school diploma. The use of a comic strip format might help to overcome this problem. Thus, the cartoons used in Psycho- technology amuse and entertain while they educate. This method of making behavior modification familiar to a wide audience should be explored.

Of immense value is the authors' 17-page review of behavior modification equip- ment. This section alone is worth the price of the text. The practice of behavior therapy is becoming increasingly expensive. Counters, shock boxes, slide projectors, tape recorders, slides, multispeed strip charts, feedback thermometers, penile plethys- mographs, electromyograms, electrodes, breath-analyzers, timers, and ESC and GSR devices along with equipment for enuresis are just some of the things used at one time or another in a busy practice.

To avoid costly mistakes in purchasing equipment, clinicians need to know what data exist supporting the use of a device, how well the equipment has been designed, and whether or not the manufacturer is reliable. Psychotechnology attempts to pro- vide some assessment of the variety of gadgets in the market place. The authors are to be commended for providing this service. However, the task of evaluating dozens of pieces of equipment and the competing claims of manufacturers is more than any one or two psychologists or psychiatrists can accomplish. We desperately need an organization that would have the responsibility for evaluating the claims, safety and quality of psychological devices. Hopefully, in this way, the profession and public will be protected from exploitation.

Psychotechnology could serve as an excellent supplement to a text of abnormal or clinical psychology. Also, it would be very helpful for anyone wanting to become quickly familiar with behavior therapy. Though some understanding of behavior modification is helpful, the humor and breezy style makes Psychotechnology easy to read. As an added bonus, Schwitzgebel ends this work with two remarkable poems whose very titles make it clear that being a social scientist need not interfere with being a concerned humanist. Consider for example: "Note on Atomic Annihilation" and "The New Immortals: Cosmic Children"!

DAvm Fisrmn The Behavior Therapy Institute Sausalito, California