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Ripple Effects Software Shown to Change Behavior

Two studies indicate that Ripple Effects software is effective at changing behavior. Further studies are underway.

1999 study shows Ripple Effects software is effective at teaching assertiveness to teens

A San Francisco pilot study showed that adolescents who used Ripple Effects for Teens, a computer-based behavior training and social skill building program, showed significant, positive gains in assertiveness after only one hour of training, while a control group showed no change. Research has demonstrated that assertiveness is a protective factor for prevention of child sexual abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, participation in violence and teen pregnancy. Knowledge gains of the computer users were similar to those of students in previous studies who had live instruction.

2000 Columbia/NYU study shows Relate effective at reducing aggression, increasing prosocial behavior, improving educational outcomes

Researchers from Columbia and NYU demonstrated that Ripple Effects behavior training software changed student behavior in positive, measurable ways, and that these behavioral changes were correlated with improved educational outcomes.

At a diverse New York City middle school, one experimental group used the computer program on their own, twice a week over 12 weeks, covering 24 topics in the Ripple Effects program. A second group also used the program, plus had the additional intervention of teacher facilitated role-plays and discussion drawn from the program. The control group got neither. Topics covered included bullying, empathy, courtesy, making space for others, and resolving conflict. Researchers measured behavior before and after the intervention through observation by trained observers.

After using Ripple Effects' program for three months, test groups, in relation to control groups, showed:

• 32% fewer aggressive acts,
• 77% more positive, prosocial acts, and
• 42% fewer remedial summer school referrals.

If these findings are validated with further study, the social and educational impact of Ripple Effects behavior training software has the potential to be huge. The program could create a massive change in school climate, on a scale that could make the difference between whether a teacher stays in teaching or not, and whether a student skips school, or even drops out or not. It may offer a scalable way to improve school climate and educational outcomes.