The underlife of behavior modification.

The practice of behavior modification in a residential treatment center for emotionally disturbed children is described, based on the author's observations over 18 months. Particular attention is given to the influence of context and situation as staff members count units of behavior, report their findings, and meet with colleagues to evaluate their data. It is suggested that these data reflect a mixture of client behavior and tacit staff practices, although they are presented officially as being only about clients.