A. Definition of behavioral modification: Based on theoretical premise that human behavior precedes thoughts, feelings and actions acts in the future
B. Theory of operant conditioning: Reinforcement of a specific stimulus-response pattern to condition individual to respond in a desirable way
C. Operant conditioning model: S( R( S
II. Historical Background and Major Theorists
Thorndike and the law of effect: Response to specific stimuli attributed to desire to increase satisfaction and decrease discomfort
Watson and rejection of law of effect: Mentalistic aspects of stimulus-response pattern dismissed
1. Conditioning of rat to produce a desired response for natural reinforcer of food;
2. Regulation of stimuli to modify rats' response to increase awareness of discrimination between light and dark, or differentiation between the amounts of force used.
3. Use of schedules of reinforcement to maintain desirable response in the long term
III. Techniques Utilized within the Field of Behavioral Modification
Reinforcements: Positive and negative reinforcers to increase frequency of desirable behavior
Punishments: Suppression of undesirable behavior
Reinforcement schedules: Regulation of frequency and time intervals in the provision of reinforcements to maintain desirable behavior
Response shaping: Teaching of complex tasks by division into smaller units and using reinforcers for each unit.
Extinction: Complete elimination of behavior by removing reinforcements
IV. Uses of Behavioral Modification
Employment of behavioral modification in different settings and with diverse populations
1. Functional behavioral analysis: Identification of targeted behavior, antecedents and consequences, frequency of targeted behavior for baseline comparison
2. Determination of desirable behavior and establishment of reinforcers and schedules of reinforcement
B. Behavioral modification for marriage and fa...