Behavior Modification I

Lesson 6

Changing Our Behavior

Behavior modification:

Systematically applying behavior principles to the task of changing someone’s target behavior

… our own or someone else’s.

Janice & John Baldwin

Operant conditioning principles ~

Some Applications Personal

physical fitness motivation

Psychotherapy panic attacks phobias

Special education basic life skills social skills ~

Steps in Behavior Modification

Scientific use of behavior (learning) principles Goal setting Behavioral Definitions Functional Analysis Objective measurement Data collection Evaluation ~

Goal Setting

Identify target behavior the one we wish to change

Excesses undesirable behaviors

Deficits lack certain skills

Developing human potential self-actualization ~

Behavioral Definitions Careful definition of target behavior

Detailed (specific) & objective measurable in numerical units

Example vague: I want to get better grades. effective:

Study 2 hr for ea. class hrTake 3 pages notes ea. classSleep 8 hrs per night ~

Behavioral Definitions Behavior vs traits Dead person rule Questions to answer

What? When? Where? How often? How long? How to measure/record? ~

Chains of Behavior

Accomplishment of overall goal Target behavior defined in smaller operant units linked together in chain of activities

Can focus on weakest links first divide it into smaller behavioral units

Basic skills integrated whole avoid coaches’ trap salsa dancing ~

Behavioral Definitions: Advantages

Establishes performance level For target behavior B reward No B no reward

Helps create rules to solve problems if goals not being met is a different approach needed? ~

Functional Analysis

Identify controlling (maintaining) variables Antecedents Consequences Hypotheses on role of behavior ABC model (SD : B SR)

Used to create behavioral interventions reduce unwanted behaviors while encouraging desirable one ~

Functional Analysis Antecedents

promote target behavior inhibit target behavior

Behavior desired / undesired other behaviors

Consequences promote target behavior inhibit target behavior

Functional Analysis: Example Self-injurious behavior (SIB)

Iwata et al Antecedent

parents attention directed elsewhere Behavior

SIB Consequence

attention directed towards child Operant phenomena? ~

Functional Analysis: Example Antecedent

Tell child to eat stewed tomatoes Behavior

SIB Consequence

demand withdrawn Operant phenomena? ~

Functional Analysis: Purpose

Identify relationship: A & C to B Context (A)/ Outcome (C) of Behavior

Key: how does SR change B ? B = reinforcement B = punishment

NOT that it appears appetitive/aversive ~

Intervention/Treatment Change controlling variables or B

Antecedents Consequences

behavioral deficits Preparation, reminders Reinforcement

behavioral excesses Punishment or extinction Reinforce competing responses ~

The Dead Person Rule

When behavioral excesses “Never ask someone to do

something a dead person can do” Don’t ask them not to behave Punishment & extinction

Promote competing response Fills behavioral void Alternate way to reach goal ~

Evaluation

Multiple evaluations of process Is desired change occurring?

Monitor data ABC diary, graphs More to come

Re-assess treatment (controlling variables) Change antecedents? Change consequences?

Evaluate again ~