Promoting the emergence of advanced knowledge: A review of peak relational training system: Direct training module by Mark R. Dixon

Abstract

Mark Dixon's (2014) manual, PEAK Relational Training System: Direct Training Module, proposes a novel approach to manualized evaluation and curriculum development. Dixon's PEAK system, introduced in the book as the first of four modules, translates derived relational responding methodology into a new verbal‐behavior approach. The PEAK system is firmly rooted in the basic, conceptual, and applied behavior‐analytic tradition; however, it differs substantially from the competition in its unique application of relational frame theory to produce efficient learning. The manual's accessible nature renders it a viable product for many users and readers. The growing empirical support for PEAK’s efficacy, usability, and psychometrics is impressive and provides a robust empirical basis for the system that is not described within the pages of the manual. Behavior analysts may shy away from a manualized system that explicitly omits discussion of scholarship and empirical bases but would be remiss in doing so, given the potential of PEAK to revolutionize the way clinicians and parents apply the verbal behavior approach.

An external review of the conclusions regarding the peak direct training module

“…Reed and Luiselli () noted that “Dixon should be commended, rather than criticized, for rendering a product that is so accessible to so many readers” (p. 205). This conclusion is based on Reed and Luiselli's observation that the PEAK‐DTM omits any mention of peer‐reviewed literature that would otherwise support its use.…”

“…Reed and Luiselli () provided a review of one of the PEAK modules: the PEAK Direct Training module (PEAK‐DTM). PEAK‐DTM is a commercially available curriculum “… designed to assess and teach language skills according to the traditional ABC design in which each response is reinforced in the presence of an appropriate discriminative stimulus” (McKeel, Dixon, Daar, Rowsey, & Szekely, , p. 232; see also Dixon, and Dixon et al, ).…”

“…Given the high praise for PEAK‐DTM from its reviews, literature, and events, a reader unfamiliar with PEAK‐DTM, then, would reasonably conclude that purchasing and incorporating the PEAK‐DTM and other PEAK modules would be a sound investment in the pursuit of their clients' habilitation . However, there are a number of concerns about the PEAK literature and how it was reviewed by both Reed and Luiselli () and Dixon et al (). Given the positive reviews and claims made within the PEAK literature and by its proponents, it is fair to conclude that an additional evaluation of their arguments is warranted.…”

“…The remainder of this paper will review the conclusions regarding PEAK‐DTM, relying on Reed and Luiselli's () conclusions as an organizational framework, and including the conclusions drawn by Dixon et al () when they pertain to the topic at hand (PEAK‐DTM). The topics addressed are the PEAK‐DTM/DTA's research base, PEAK‐DTA's psychometric properties, and PEAK‐DTM's efficacy.…”

Rational skepticism: A scientific review of Witts' (2018) criticisms of the PEAK relational training system

“…Witts () provided a review of some current research on the PEAK Direct Training Module (PEAK‐DTM; Dixon, ) that offered a different perspective from an initial review of the module by Reed and Luiselli (), and a more recent review of research on all four PEAK modules by Dixon, Belisle, McKeel et al (). Witts advocated for a skeptical view of the current research, stating “a skeptical analysis is required when claims regarding assessment and treatment seem to oversell or misrepresent the data” (p. 721).…”