1. Intro to Behavior Modification
Section 1: Understanding Behavior
Definition of Behavior
Behavior is defined as anything that a person says or does.
Components of Behavior:
Activity
Action
Performance
Responding
Response
Reaction
Types of Behavior
Covert Behavior:
Definition: Behaviors that occur within one’s skin and require special instruments/procedures for observation.
Examples: Thinking about a problem, daydreaming.
Overt Behavior:
Definition: Behaviors that can be observed and recorded by others.
Examples: Talking to a friend, running on a treadmill, clapping.
Section 2: Characteristics of Behavior
Key Points
Observable and Recordable:
Behavior can be described and recorded.
Dimensions of Behavior:
Can have more than one dimension, measurable via:
Duration
Frequency
Intensity
Latency
Impact on Environment:
Behavior has effects on the physical and social environment.
Sometimes the effects are obvious, at other times subtle.
Lawfulness of Behavior:
Behavior is influenced systematically by environmental events.
Measuring Behavior
Dimensions of Measurement
Frequency:
Definition: The number of times a behavior occurs.
Example: A child interrupts a class 5 times in 50 minutes.
Duration:
Definition: The time from when an instance of the behavior starts until it stops.
Example: A child's tantrum lasts for 10 minutes.
Intensity:
Definition: The strength or magnitude of the behavior.
Example: The volume of a child's yelling measured at 85 decibels.
Latency:
Definition: The time that elapses between the presentation of a stimulus and the start of the behavior.
Example: A student raises their hand 3 seconds after being prompted by the teacher.
Section 3: Examples of Behavior Analysis
Case Study: Jerry
Scenario: Jerry submits a paper late, lying to his professor about the reason.
Analysis of Behavior:
Observable action: Jerry speaks and provides a false explanation.
Physical Dimensions:
Frequency: How often Jerry lies in similar situations.
Observable and measurable actions with environmental impact (professors change their behavior).
Behavior is lawful, based on previous learning (lying led to no penalty).
Case Study: Martha
Scenario: Martha types an email to her lecturer.
Analysis of Behavior:
Observable action: Typing involves pressing keys on the keyboard.
Physical Dimensions:
Frequency: Measures how often keys are pressed.
Observed, measurable, and impacts the environment.
Lawful behavior based on learning (pressing keys produces letters).
Section 4: Behavior in Classroom Settings
Case Study: Samantha
Scenario: A 6-year-old, Samantha, cries and bangs her head when not attended to by the teacher.
Analysis of Behavior:
Action: Crying and head banging (overt behavior).
Physical Dimensions:
Frequency, duration, intensity, and latency are applicable here.
Observable: Behavior is visible to the teacher/others.
Impact: Teacher stops assisting other students to provide comfort.
Lawfulness: Behavior follows learned experiences where crying and banging led to attention.
Notes:
●Action: throws tantrums cries, bangs head
●Impact: disrupts the class
●Behavior is lawful bcs she’s learned that if she throws a tantrum then she will be given attention
●Tantrum can be observed, described, and recorded
●Dimensions:
○Duration: until the teacher picks her up
○Frequency: how many times it happens in span of time
○Intensity: high
○Latency: until she throws tantrum (from when the teacher gives attention to others) (between stimulus and reaction)
Section 5: Behavior Modification Overview
Definition
Behavior Modification (BeMod): An applied science and professional practice focusing on analyzing and modifying human behavior.
Analyzing: Identifying functional relationships between environmental events and behaviors.
Modifying: Developing and implementing procedures to help people change behavior.
Example of Application in Work Settings
Scenario: A worker who arrives late.
Analysis: Investigate patterns and environmental factors; interview for perspective.
Modification: Set clear consequences for tardiness and rewards for punctuality; help establish routines.
Section 6: Characteristics of Behavior Modification
Focus on Behavior: Target specific behaviors to modify.
Avoids labeling; emphasizes behavioral excesses/deficits.
Behavioral Principles: Based on behaviorism; behavior is influenced by proximity of environmental events.
Current Environmental Events: Assessment and modification of current events related to behavior, not past labeled causes.
Precise Procedures: Specific environmental changes targeted for behavior.
Implementation: Procedures are developed by professionals but often implemented by significant others.
Measurement: Continual assessment to document behavior changes pre-and-post intervention.
De-emphasis on Past Causes: Current controlling variables are more relevant.
Rejection of Hypothetical Causes: Avoidance of unmeasurable ‘explanatory fictions’.
Section 7: Behavioral Assessment
Purpose
Collect and analyze information to:
Identify target behaviors.
Identify possible causes of the behavior.
Guide selection of appropriate treatment.
Evaluate treatment outcomes.
Section 8: Misconceptions about Behavior Modification
Misunderstandings about BeMod include:
Use of rewards as bribery.
Association with drugs or invasive therapies.
Limited to simple problems.
Perception of behavior modifiers as unemotional.
Claims that BeMod is outdated or only addresses observable behavior.
Section 9: Applications of Behavior Modification
Areas of Impact
Developmental Disabilities: Teaching functional skills to overcome deficits.
Mental Illness: Modifying behaviors such as daily living skills, social behavior.
Example: Token economy developed for institutional patients.
Education & Special Education: Improving teaching methods, classroom behavior control.
Rehabilitation: Promoting compliance with routines and skill replacement.
Community Psychology: Influence large behaviors for community benefit.
Business & Industry: Improving workplace performance and job satisfaction through organizational behavior management.