Abstract This paper studies the application of behaviormodification therapy. The paper begins by defining behavioralmodification and its theoretical premises. Next the paper discusses the theories and practices of major theorists such as Thorndike, Watson and Skinner. The paper examines the application of behaviormodification in marriage and family therapy, as well as its integration into behavior-oriented therapy.
From the Paper "Based on the theoretical premise that human behavior precedes thoughts, feelings and actions, acts in the future..."
Abstract This paper discusses the use of behaviormodification as a disciplinary practice in public schools. It describes the method of discipline employed by behaviormodification. The paper looks at techniques and strategies and the effectiveness of the methods.
Abstract The paper discusses attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and notes that it is the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among children and is characterized by inattention and hyperactivity. The paper, in referring to certain case studies, discusses the causes, incidence and treatment of ADHD and psychosocial interventions e.g. behaviormodification strategies.
From the Paper "There is enough evidence that states behavior modification strategies work, regardless if these methods are combined with a common ADHD drug or not. The fact that children are being taught how to behave properly provides a solution that is far more long-lasting than common symptomatic medications. Children as early as 2 years old have the capacity to learn about good and undesired behaviors. According to Vgotsky's Social Cognition, culture contributes to a child's intellectual content, and it provides him of tools on how to process such knowledge. Therefore, a child's cognitive development depends highly on what his parents, teacher, peers, and other family members shares with them. Moreover, the premise behind behavior modification is guided by Pavlov's theory on operant conditioning, where the learned behavioral responses are voluntary. In this theory, he speaks of a stimulus that is presented after a desired behavior which increases the possibility of that behavior to occur again".
Defines and describes selected modification techniques for sexual offenders, using "BehaviorModification: What It Is and How to Do It" by Garry Martin and Joseph Pear as a reference.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 1 source, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract This paper shall use the book, "BehaviorModification: What It Is and How to Do It" by Garry Martin and Joseph Pear. Behaviormodification is, essentially, a means of creating an environment in which the individual undergoes a desired change in behavior. There is a strong emphasis on the belief that punishment does not alter behavior but merely serves to encourage it in various ways. This paper shall take the position of creating progressive behaviormodification in a sex offender.
Abstract In this article, the writer explores overeating and produces a workable list of behaviormodification techniques that might apply to a patient who has difficulty controlling food consumption. The writer notes that overeating is a nationwide problem in the US that has been on the rise for several decades. Further, the writer points out that people overeat for many reasons and one of the difficulties in addressing the issue is the fact that humans need to consume food to survive, therefore unlike drug use or drinking it cannot be completely cut out of one's life as a form of behaviormodification. The writer concludes that using techniques such as stress management, self monitoring, and social support are behaviormodification steps that can be used to help a person reduce the incidence of overeating.
From the Paper "Overeating is often a difficult problem to address because the behavior modifications cannot include things that will help a person stop the activity completely. Unlike drug use, smoking cigarettes or chronic tardiness, one cannot completely stop eating and thereby remove the undesirable activity from their life completely. One must have food to sustain life therefore there is no way to completely remove it. It will always been needed and necessary and for those who have difficulty controlling their impulses it will always be there as a temptation for the undesired behavior to continue, in this case overeating. While this makes it a difficult behavior to change it can be done through the implementation of behavior modification techniques. "
"One of the first steps in behavior modification is self monitoring. This requires the person to become aware of their target behaviors by keeping a diary or journal about their eating habits."
Abstract The paper defines behaviormodification as rewarding students for changing their behavior in positive ways and punishing them when they revert to old, negative behaviors. The paper emphasizes the need for a level of specificity, predictability and timeliness of the reinforcement. The paper discusses how this system is particularly suitable for students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and attention deficit disorder. The paper points out, however, that although behaviormodification can be effective if properly used, the student's entire neurological, psychological, and social makeup must be addressed in the ways that the rewards and punishments are administered.
From the Paper "The value or 'pros' of behavior modification is that it places a stress on observable and measurable behaviors, rather than vague statements like the student should show more respect to the teacher and to his or her peers (Mather & Goldstein, 2001). This has made behavior modification a useful strategy for teachers to use with special needs students, as the teacher can communicate more clearly to the student what is expected in the classroom. A specific, observable and measurable goal for a student with Attention-Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity might be that the child raises his or her hand every time he or she speaks up in class. If a student does not talk out of turn, or turns his or her homework in on time, or performs a specific behavioral goal a specific number of times, the student is rewarded with an equally specific reinforcement."
Abstract 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 behaviormodification approach assumes that the child's maladaptive behaviors have been learned, and consequently, can be unlearned. It attempts to show how behaviormodification 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."
Abstract "Couch potato (cp)" behavior is operationally defined as sitting and watching TV. The goal of the program presented in this paper is to modify this behavior towards participation in an exercise program. A self-observation log demonstrates "couch potato" behavioral antecedents, an operational definition of the target behavior and behavioral consequences. Cognitive-behavioralmodification is discussed and the program is stated. Effectiveness of the intervention is then discussed.
From the Paper "Week one would consist of new thoughts such as "TV is not the only way to relax, this is a lie, the truth is that TV is contributing to my fatigue." Positive affirmations were to be employed as immediate and continuous reinforcements, such as "I'm feeling better each day with my new activities. I'm doing a great job." TV watching was to be cut down to half hour periods per week day and two hour periods for weekend days. Stimulus control was employed and junk foods were to be removed from the premises to avoid visual cues leading to poor eating behaviors. New foods were to be purchased, such as fruit juice in place of alcoholic beverages, nuts and fruits in place of chips; actual changes in meals would be dealt with later. Lifestyle changes for the first week would include using the stairs at work and school instead of the elevator, since walking up stairs is found to burn twice the calories of jogging behavior and it would serve as an aerobic exercise activity."
Abstract This paper gives a brief explanation of what behaviormodification is and then explains how it 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 "The idea of operant conditioning for humans was first developed by Burrhus Frederick Skinner, who looked at work using operant conditioning with animals. He concluded that using operant conditioning, or behavior modification, with humans was possible, and that all if all external factors were controlled, internal mental processes would not be a significant factor. He believed that all human behavior was shaped by the principles of operant conditioning: stimulus and response (Hutchinson, 2003)."
Abstract This paper discusses applied behavior analysis (ABA) and explains that it follows accepted theory that autism is neurologically based and affects a variety of behaviors. An attempt is made in the paper to differentiate between applied behavior analysis (ABA) and any of the myriad programs of behavioralmodification which rely on it as a basis for their work. The paper also relates the seven essential elements that make up the ABA approach and provides general recommendations as to what constitutes a good program. The paper contends that parents' first priority must be to have their child evaluated with an acceptable assessment test. The paper then discusses how the goal of applied behavior analysis may be achieved when the child can be satisfactorily mainstreamed.
From the Paper "Today it is in the news for its use with children, particularly those children diagnosed with autism. But it is important to make the differentiation between ABA and any of the myriad programs of behavioral modification which rely on it as a basis for their work. ABA is not a program in itself. It is a framework for a scientific approach to the problem. It is, rather, an umbrella under which many different systems and theories can operate. It may seem to be splitting hairs, but ABA is not synonymous with any of the various programs which may claim it as their own private domain."
Abstract This paper discusses behaviorism, behaviormodification and behavior therapy. The author explains how behaviormodification and behavior therapy each alludes to different aspects of behaviorism and describes how these psychoanalytic approaches came to assimilate into clinical practices in the United States. Psychologists such as Ivan P. Pavlov and Edward Thorndike are mentioned with regards to their works and theories on behaviorism. The paper also discusses the views of B.F Skinner, who believed that the environment shapes peoples behaviors.
From the Paper "Behaviorism was born in the 1950s and early 1960s as a response to the psychoanalytic approach. The terms behavior modification and behavior therapy have become ingrained into American lexicon; however, each term alludes to a different aspect of behaviorism. Behavior modification refers to the systematic approach of assessment, evaluation, and vicissitudes of quantifiable behaviors. Behavior therapy is the grander instrument in which behavior modification is fostered and applied."
This paper attempts to implement and chronicle an applied behaviormodification self-efficacy theory to the writer's daily lifestyle in an attempt to promote physical activity.
Abstract This paper explains that physical inactivity has become linked with the alarming prevalence of obesity and related diseases such as cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, colon cancer and hypertension not only in developed countries but worldwide. The author points out that the self-efficacy theory, which is a derivative component of Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, is associated with two other prerequisites for behavioral change - goals and outcome expectancies. The paper relates that the implementation of a behaviormodification theory (self-efficacy theory) to the writer's daily lifestyle succeeded in initiating and maintaining physical activity through a structured exercise regimen that was achievable, sustainable and tolerable.
Table of Contents:
Physical Inactivity and BehaviorModification Objective
Physical Inactivity and Health Behavior Theories
Results and Discussion
Conclusion
Appendix A: The Log
From the Paper "During the middle of the week, the writer had to implement pacing measures to ensure the tolerability and sustainability of the exercise regimen. The transtheoretical model, as previously mentioned, provides a descriptive perspective, as can be seen with the writer's contemplation of his goals and outcomes regarding the exercise regimen created, his taking action and maintaining it through the week. It can also be seen that its utility is somewhat limited in this scenario. The health locus of control can be seen in action as the log details deviations of this locus of control from the writer to what he felt after a few days (i.e. pain) as out of his control."
Abstract B.F. (Burrhus Frederic) Skinner is regarded by many as the founder of operant conditioning, a form of behaviormodification that, simply stated, depends on rewarding desired behaviors and initiating unpleasant consequences for undesirable behaviors. This paper explains that Skinner proposed that immediate and appropriate reinforcement of both good and bad behaviors would very likely increase the likelihood that the desirable behavior would be repeated and the undesirable one repeated less often. This paper provides a brief review dealing with the ways in which Skinner's theories are being looked at by educators today.
Outline:
Introduction
Historical Truisms Applied to Modern Classrooms
Current Point-Counterpoint Regarding Skinner's Theories
Using Skinner Early and Often
References
From the Paper "While Skinner and half a dozen contemporaries were expert at running animal experiments, with their forte being maze-running and operant conditioning of the sort employed in a Skinner box, they were also noted for "dustbowl empiricism" or, in other words, finding out what worked in reality, not in theory alone. The burden of their findings, including Skinner's, was that "repetition of a task, with suitable reinforcement for completing each trial, improved performance" (Bruner 2004, 13+)."
Abstract This paper examines moderate behavioral problems in both adults and in children in respect to how such behaviors can be altered or prevented altogether.
Abstract The paper provides an overview of one of the most severe and disruptive of all childhood disorders - autism - that interferes with an individual's ability to form social relationships as well as to communicate with others. This paper discusses behavioralmodification models of treating autism which provide a way of easing the communication barriers between those with autism and other people, thus allowing autistic children to build the kind of initial human connections when they are young that they will be able to build on later in life. Topics discussed in the paper are the causes of autism, behavioral analysis as opposed to behaviormodification and assumptions of behavioral analysis.
From the Paper "It should be noted that while behavioral assessment may help provide a substantial amount of help to many individuals suffering with autism it is certainly not a cure-all (Smith, Chung, and Vostanis, 1994, p. 558). However, it can be used to help improve the communication of many children with autism because it is a highly flexible model that can be used by parents, teachers, therapists and others to help autistic children acquire communication skills no matter what level they may be at in terms of development or severity of symptoms."
