Transcript Behavior modification

Introduction
Chapter 1
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
What Is Behavior?
“Anything a person says or does”
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Withdrawal
Tardiness
Littering
Ineffective studying
Writing a novel
Speeding
Phobias
Migraines
Staff Management
Athletic performance
Adapting in a personal care home
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
What Is Behavior Modification?
• Strong emphasis on
– Defining problems in terms of behavior that can be
measured in some way using precise language
– Using scientific information measuring changes in the
behavior as the best indicator of the extent to which
the problem is being helped.
– It can work within an individual's everyday life and
environment.
– It places high value on accountability for everyone
involved in behavior modification programs.
• Definition Behavior Modification :
involves the systematic application of learning principles and
techniques to assess and improve individuals’ covert and overt
behaviors in order to enhance their functioning.”
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Behavioral Assessment
• Involves the collection and analysis of
information and data in order to:
(a) identify and describe target behaviors
(b) identify possible causes of the behavior
(c) guide the selection of an appropriate behavioral
treatment
(d) evaluate treatment outcome
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Behavioral Modification
and Related Terms
• Behavior analysis refers to the scientific study of laws that govern
the behavior of human beings and other animals.
• Applied behavior analysis is behavior modification in which there
is typically an attempt to analyze or clearly demonstrate controlling
variables of the behavior of concern.
• Behavior therapy is typically behavior modification carried out on
dysfunctional behavior.
“Behavior modification encompasses both
behavior therapy and applied behavior analysis.”
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Applied Behavioral Analysis
• Focus on measurable behavior that is socially
significant
• Strong emphasis on the learning principles frequently
referred to as operant conditioning to develop
treatment strategies
• An attempt to clearly demonstrate that the applied
treatment was responsible for the behavioral
improvement.
• Demonstration of long-lasting improvements that are
generalizable.
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Some Misconceptions About
Behavior Modification
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Myth 1: Use of rewards by behavior modifiers to change behavior is
bribery.
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Myth 2: Behavior modification involves the use of drugs,
psychosurgery, and electroconvulsive therapy.
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Myth 3: Behavior modification only changes symptoms; it doesn’t get
at the underlying problems.
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Myth 4: Behavior modification can be applied to deal with simple
problems, such as toilet training children or overcoming fear of
heights, but it is not applicable for changing complex problems such as
low self-esteem or depression.
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Myth 5: Behavior modifiers are cold and unfeeling and don’t develop
empathy with their clients.
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Myth 6: Behavior modifiers deal only with observable behavior; they
don’t deal with thoughts and feelings of clients.
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Myth 7: Behavior modification is outdated.
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Looking Ahead
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Operational Definitions
• The following sets of slides come from
information found at this website:
http://www.kipbs.org/new_kipbs/fsi/Files
/DirectObservationTips.pdf
Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.
Elements of an Operational
Definition
• A title or brief description of the behavior
• The topography (physical movements
involved) of the behavior
• Frequency of the behavior
• Length or duration of the behavior
• Description of the behavior's intensity
Criterion
Good
Definition
Good Example
Bad Example
Objectivity
Refers to observable
characteristics of the
behavior or to events in
the environment that
can be observed.
The number of
cigarettes smoked.
The amount of
time spent
studying.
Clarity
The definition is so
clear that another
person unfamiliar with
the behavior could
measure it consistently.
A tantrum is
defined as
screaming,
shouting,
whining,
stomping feet,
throwing things,
or slamming
doors.
Count each time
the person seems
depressed.
Completeness
The boundaries of the
behavior are clearly
delineated so that
responses can be easily
included or excluded.
This usually includes a
time frame for
measurement as well.
A new episode of
tantrums is
counted if there is
at least 10
minutes of calm
between
behaviors.
Keep track of
how often the
person seems to
be in a good or a
bad mood.
Units of Measurement
• Frequency: the number of times the
behavior occurs in a specific time period.
• Duration: total amount of time occupied
by the behavior from start to finish.
• Latency: the time from some event to
the onset of the behavior.
• Intensity: the magnitude, strength,
amplitude, force, or effort of a response.
Methods of Measurement
• Externalizing:
– Systematic Observations
• Interval Methods: time, duration, latency
• Ratio Methods: how often something happens
• Internalizing:
– Rating Scales
• Published
• Specially Developed
• Intensity:
– Technology