behavior modification

TE Behavior modification Isp- uio

Behavior Modification 1

Respondent behavior: (also called reflex behavior) is that behavior in which responses are strengthened or weakened primarily by stimuli that precede the response. (Pavlov)

Operant behavior: The individual “operates” upon his environment to produce a certain event. (Skinner)

Conditioning: When behavior is manipulated, the term “conditioning” is used. - classical and operant conditioning

Reinforcement:The consequence of operant behavior is called a reinforcer.

Response , timing and contingency



Situation BehaviorResponsOperant

Reaction

SD R (O) SR

DiscriminatingStimuli

Respons Environmentalreaction on thisrespons



Reinforcement If proper timingReinforcementworks

We are concernedabout contingencybetween S-R--S

Add Remove

Somethingpleasant

Positivereinforcement

NegativeReduction

Somethingunpleasant

Positivereduction

Negativereinforcement



The value of observing, recording and measuring behavior: support your opinions about a situation or behavior which should

be altered reveal a pattern of behavior which might suggest ways to alter the

behavior reveal discrepancies between your perception of the situation

and the situation as it exists. Visually indicate IF your program was successful,HOW

successful it was, and WHEN the significant change occurred. Describe interaction for purposes of pinpointing target behavior

for further programming



Target behavior: That behavior which is labeled, specifically defined, and is the target for observation, recording and, consequently, for modification is called the target behavior.

We can also look for behavior that is incompatible with the behavior of concern as a target behavior.

Behavior modification claims to be a technique with a positive orientation. It can be used to increase as well as decrease behavior:

stop fighting-get along with peers / stop cursing - use other words a.s.o.



Finding reinforcers: Finding proper reinforcers is very important,

but also difficult since what hay be a positive reinforcer for one student may be a negative one for another. Taking a shower has been used as both pos. and neg. Reinforcer.

The trick is to know the student: 1. Observe him , see what he chooses to do

when he does not have to be doing something. 2. Ask him, his friends or parent what his

choice behavior are.



Primary reinforcers: build on biological based needs. Can seems primitive

and unworthy, but can be effective - especially for mentally retarded.

Advantages: Fast, and relatively simple to administrate

Disadvantages: Easy to be “filled up”, economy, moral or ethical reactions?, reactions from others, self -esteem?



Secondary or socially reinforcers: Attention (best+), praise ,expression of joy etc. Advantages: Natural, easy to administer but also to

forget, free, be be used to all groups - also you and me

Disadvantages: Not all children react positively on praise and not from every teacher. Not everybody (teachers ) are able to communicate genuine social ,positive reinforcement. Attention from peers can be stronger ,and that can counteract the teacher

Is regarded as the most important reinforcer



When to reinforce? Continuous reinforcement schedule:Every response is

reinforced. Very demanding approach and vulnerable for extinction.

Intermittent reinforcement reinforcement schedule: Only some responses are reinforced:

1. fixed ratio: every n’ response 2. Variable ratio: between each ex. 15 or 20 3. Fixed interval : every n’ minute 4. Variable interval: Between f.i. Every 5’ and 10’ minute 2 and 4 is most resistant for extinction


Behavior Modification 11 Punishment

Removing a positive or present a negative reinforcer

Some people think it is immoral in an educational context

Punishment can be physical – social or psychological



Some disatvantages: It does not eliminate, it merely slows down the

behavior It does not show what appropriate behavior is Aggressive behavior from teachers can serve

as a bad model Emotional results as fear and withdrawal are

maladaptive



”Effective” punishment are supposed to be Given imidiately Relies on withdrawal of reinforcement andovides steps

for regaining them Makes use of warning signals Is carried out in a calm , matter of fact way Is accompanied by positive reinforcement of behavior

imcompatible with behavior being punished Also uses procedures to make sure that the undesired

behavior do not receive positive reinforcement


Behavior Modification 14 Developing desirable behavior

Reinforce desirable behavior, overlook minor faults. The desirable behavior must be reasonable frequent

Shaping: Reinforce behavior that has elements of the desirable one

Modelling: Reinforce desirable behavior seen at others, but not everybody are potent models

Special techniques: Selfinstruction (Bernstein- especially used with small children with ADHD)

Overcorrection – Azrin – used at enuresis


Behavior Modification 15 Eliminate undesirable behavior

Overlook minor faults and reinforce incompatible behavior

Extinction: Totally overlooking. No reinforcement what so ever – difficult to administer

Time out from reinforcement – sending out for a while

Saturation - So much reinforcement that it gives a paradoxical effect


Behavior Modification 16 Token economy

Advantages: Children learn to postpone satisfaction of basic needs It’s easy to avoid saturation. You can change the back

– up reinforcer You can reach target behavior when children are little

receivable for social reinforcement Effective because it can be administrated at once Gives children the experience that behavior gives

them consequensis


Behavior Modification 17 Token economy

Problems – or important issues by use Target behavior and rules for earning tokens must be clearly

defined and specified Children must be able to obtain the back- up as well as the target

behavior The back up must appeal and variations? The number of tokens must be reasonable to obtain the goal The earnings potential should – if possible- gather different

situations The child should preferably compare with himself – not others


Behavior Modification 18Discuss

Advantages by using behavior modification

Disadvantages?Moral or ethical aspects?Is it appropriate or useful in your country

– in what kind of settings?


behavior modification

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