Behavior Modification

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the idea of operant conditioning for humans was first developed by Burrhus Frederick Skinner, who looked at work using operant conditioning with animals. In particular it looks at its use in the classroom and how the behavior modification approach assumes that the child's maladaptive behaviors have been learned, and consequently, can be unlearned. It attempts to show how behavior modification can be used effectively in the classroom as long as those using the approach keep the full individuality of each child in mind and avoid a "one size fits all" group solution.

From the Paper:

"Simpson notes that behaviors do not appear randomly, and that some circumstances support the maladaptive behavior. In addition, while behaviors have a cause, the person giving the behavior may have little understanding regarding why he or she is acting in that way (Simpson, 1998). So, after identifying the behavior and the circumstances under which it occurs, the next step is to consider what purpose the behavior might serve for the child. Wandering around the room, if it results in being put in the hall, might serve for the child to avoid difficult schoolwork. If that is the case, then an evaluation of what the child is and is not ready to do academically has to be part of the behavior changing process."

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