AbstractRecent arguments against the use of intrusive behavioral interventions in the treatment of handicapped people are examined. The anti‐aversive position was found to be based on assumptions about the negative impact of aversive procedures, and to consider only a small subset of the variables that should be taken into account when treatment decisions are made. A preliminary application of formal decision‐analysis techniques that have been developed in response to other controversial technologies had a number of benefits including: (a) sharpening the distinction between scientific and social criteria; (b) sensitizing decision‐makers and scientists to the range of costs, risks, and benefits associated with treatment decisions; and (c) identifying critical areas of research. Decision‐analysis techniques were found to be helpful in directing scientists and policy‐makers towards more informed decisi