Behaviourism in Action Notes

Behaviourism in Action

Tutorial Aims

• Understand core concepts of behaviourism, specifically focusing on operant conditioning, its principles, and significance in shaping behaviour.

• Apply principles of operant conditioning to modify behaviours in realistic contexts, utilizing reinforcement techniques to achieve desired outcomes.

Core Concepts in Operant Conditioning

• Reinforcement: This is the process of increasing the likelihood of a behaviour by following it with a reward (positive reinforcement) or removing something unpleasant (negative reinforcement). Reinforcement serves as a key tool in behaviour modification.

  • Positive Reinforcement: This involves the addition of a stimulus after a desired behaviour is exhibited, which increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. Examples include praise, rewards, or even tokens that can be exchanged for desired items or privileges.

    • Example: Complimenting someone for being punctual can lead to increased punctuality and encourages them to continue arriving on time.

  • Negative Reinforcement: This entails the removal of an aversive stimulus to promote a desired behaviour. It should not be confused with punishment, as the intent here is to strengthen the behaviour by alleviating discomfort.

    • Example: Stopping a loud noise when a student begins to focus on their study can encourage them to continue studying in that environment.

• Shaping: This is a gradual process of guiding behaviour toward a desired outcome by reinforcing small, incremental steps rather than expecting the complete behaviour to occur immediately. This method is especially useful when teaching complex behaviours.

  • Example: If the goal is to help someone become socially confident, you might first reinforce small behaviours like initiating conversations, gradually moving towards more complex interactions, such as maintaining prolonged dialogues or engaging in group discussions.

Practical Activity: Game

• Objective: The main goal of this activity is to understand behaviour shaping through reinforcement methods practically.

• Roles: Participants pair up to assume two roles: a learner and a trainer, with an opportunity to switch roles midway through the exercise.

  • Learner's Task: The learner must discover the "secret" behaviour (e.g., tapping the table, poking the tongue, standing up) without verbal communication, relying solely on non-verbal cues from the trainer.

  • Trainer's Task: The trainer utilizes positive reinforcement techniques, such as non-verbal cues like nods or smiles, to encourage the learner as they make attempts to identify the secret behaviour. This preserves the learner's motivation and engagement throughout the process.

• Discussion: After the activity, participants regroup to share their strategies, the successes they experienced, and the challenges they faced during the exercise, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Applying Reinforcement to Improve Study Habits

• Scenario: This involves a friend struggling with motivation and academic performance, aiming to design an intervention that encourages more productive behaviours.

• Group Task: Groups are tasked with creating a detailed behavioural reinforcement plan that includes:

  • Targeting one specific behaviour to change (e.g., improving class attendance or ensuring timely completion of assignments).

  • Outlining a well-defined reinforcement strategy and schedule that specifies when and how reinforcements will be administered.

  • Planning for adjustments in reinforcement strategies as behaviours improve, recognizing that what motivates initially may need modification over time.

  • Identifying potential obstacles that could hinder the implementation of the plan and brainstorming viable solutions to alleviate these challenges.

Summary of Behaviourism Principles

• Behavior Shaping: Reinforces the idea that personalities and habits can be influenced through consistent reinforcement of successive approximations, which are small steps toward the ultimate behavioural goal.

• Importance of Reinforcement: Highlights the role of positive reinforcement in encouraging the repetition of desired behaviours and strengthening traits like confidence, punctuality, and intrinsic motivation.

• Real-Life Applications: Discusses how personality traits—such as motivation and conscientiousness—can be developed and enhanced through strategic reinforcement plans.

• Gradual Change: Stresses that personality development is a gradual process requiring continuous reinforcement. Abrupt changes are seldom effective; consistency is critical for success.

• Upcoming Work: A friendly reminder to review and prepare for workbook 2 questions related to this week’s discussions, which are due in week 7, ensuring all assignments are completed on time.

Important Dates

• Census Date: April 4th, Autumn Session 2025

• Significance: This date represents the official deadline for finalizing enrolment and settling tuition fees, making it a crucial point in the academic calendar.

  • Consequences: It is essential to note that fees will be charged for subjects enrolled after the census date, and enrolments can be cancelled if fees are not settled or if a valid Tax File Number is not provided.

  • Action Items: Students are advised to review and confirm their enrolment details, explore options for subject changes if necessary, and ensure that they fulfill all financial obligations by the census date to avoid any disruptions.

Available Support Services

• Student Welfare Services: Provides assistance with academic issues, financial aid, and welfare concerns, helping students navigate through tough times effectively.

• Disability and Counselling Services: Offers support tailored for individuals with disabilities or who are experiencing personal challenges that might affect their academic performance or wellbeing.

• Assessment Help: Students can access resources like Studiosity for assignment feedback, and consult the Study Smart Librarian for help with proper citation practices and academic referencing, which are vital skills.

Next Week

• Lecture Topics: Discussions will focus on trait theory and humanism, expanding our understanding of psychological frameworks that influence behaviour and personality development.