The Psychology Department at the Riddle Developmental Center is dedicated to the use of the principles of behavior analysis in the humane and effective training and treatment of people with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. Behavior analysis is a natural science approach to the study of human behavior and the application and analysis of science-based interventions.

The Psychology Department provides direct services to individuals and consults with interdisciplinary team members at the Center and with individuals, families and agencies in the western region of North Carolina. In addition, the Psychology Department conducts applied research to improve the quality of life and welfare of our consumers by solving clinical problems, improving training methods, and maximizing staff performance.

The Psychology Department has a rich history of applied research and its dissemination through published scientific papers in books and journals, such as the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, the American Journal on Mental Retardation, and the Journal of Organizational Behavior management. In addition, Psychology Department members regularly make presentations at state, regional and national conferences including the Association for Behavior Analysis, the American Association on Mental Retardation, and the Developmental Disabilities Services Managers

For more information about the Psychology Department, write to Department Director Duke Schell.