Behavior Modification Essay example

This essay will compare and contrast two theories of behaviour management by Carl Rogers and BF Skinner and argue ways in which one of these theories could be implemented for a particular context and practice. Roger’s theory is based on a humanistic approach, while Skinner’s theory takes a behaviourist approach; each theory has both benefits and shortcomings. Their views form opposite ends of the learning spectrum. These theories will be examined as their respective works address the underlying issue of how children learn to behave.

This process takes place from the minute we are born. Information is taken in and absorbed, in turn builds one’s ability to retain what one has learned. Many factors aid in the learning process which includes ones environment, past experiences, and one’s emotion which all play a rewarding understanding on how ones sees the world and retain information around them. B. F. Skinner, “who developed the ideas of respondent behavior (that which is brought about by a specific stimulus and can be conditioned) and operant behavior (that which produces consequences that tend to be repeated when reinforced and discontinued when not reinforced). Many different practice models have developed from the theories of the behaviorists, who operate by setting up controlled situations in which behavior can be conditioned and reinforced. These models are widely used in teaching, in treating problems of human relationships, and in working with personal problems that lead to destructive behaviors. As behavior modification develops, certain features are assuming greater importance. One is the detailed specification of objectives with the possibility of sub goals that serve as

Behavior modification is field within psychology that specializes in identifying relationships between a specific behavior and environmental events as well as creating and instituting procedures that help individuals to change a particular behavior. When behavior analysts conduct research they use research designs that help them to identify whether a change in the targeted behavior or dependent variable was result of implementation of a specific treatment plan or independent variable (Miltenberger, 2008). This paper addresses the use of research design methods in a case study involving Martin, an ABA psychologist, who has

Its application to the treatment of mental problems is known as behaviour modification. Learning is seen as behaviour change moulded by experience; it is accomplished largely through either classical or operant conditioning.

Scientific evidence serves another purpose in behavior analysis. It guides the decision in the types of treatment procedures that are selected for implementation. According to Van Houten, et al. (1988), a behavior analyst has an obligation to only use methods that have been scientifically proven to be effective. This fact is key because one of the rights a client has is the right to the most effective treatments available. When the behavior analyst is able to combine the use of the scientific data and the use of scientifically proven effective treatments, they are able to accomplish the goal that they should start with for each client. A behavior analyst has been most effective in helping their clients when they are able to withdrawal themselves from the clients life altogether (Skinner, 1978).

can be used to strengthen existing behaviors, as well as learn new ones. Principles of behaviorism can be

One strategy employed by health educators is behavior modification. Behavior modification employs strategies and techniques to decrease the instance of negative habits or facilitate the frequency of beneficial actions. Behavior modification has been proven successful in improving patient adherence to preventive and therapeutic regimens, avoiding treatment delays, altering risk-taking behavior, and enabling lifestyle change.

Behavior Modification is an evidence based practice that can work to redefine, restore, or remove a wanted or unwanted behavior. The understanding of behavior modification expresses how various articles discuss the implementation of tools to deal with behaviors in certain settings, causing them to solidify or be eliminated. The student will explain the different techniques of behavior modification and which ones are considered to be most effective and which ones are considered to be least effective based on research. In further discussion of the student’s research an understanding of the relevance of the behavioral modification model to the social work profession.

This, of course, entails the systematic approach for influencing behavior through environmental variables and noting behavior change techniques that make use of the findings. Essentially, science-based psychology was the initial focus that I had actively applied. Specifically, I was analyzing the “Effect of Temporal Variability of Reinforcement on Behavior” through an assigned pigeon with a standard operant chamber. My analysis also included depictions of “scalloped” behavior in a fixed-interval schedule. Moreover, my analysis evaluated the implications of the variability in timing of a reinforcer has as effect on behavior. Before transferring to West Georgia, I was using this appliance of lab activity as a model intended for a representation of theoretical and practical, concrete applications. Students were encouraged to critically think about what we gathered about behavior and apply it in individual, social and cultural contexts. Doing this helped me ascertain and underline the assumptions I considered but didn't exactly agree with. I soon discovered that doing this allowed me and other students to question the inherent integrity or objectivity of this discourse. In this regard, I knew that I had valued that human behavior must go beyond behavior interpretations. Culture and language involve psychological processes that deal with meaning. Not also focusing on

Skinner’s theory observes individuals from the point of view of the behavior that they demonstrate. The key weakness of this theory is its attempt to explain the behaviors of an individual solely through visible phenomena. Critics sometimes accuse behaviorists of denying that ideas and thoughts exist (Jensen & Burgess, 1997). The major opposition that behaviorists face is that behavior of a person cannot be understood without including the mental activity of the individual. Critics have accused behaviorists of focusing only on behavior and ignoring the role of physiology, neuroscience, and genetics (Weiss & Rosales-Ruiz, 2014). Sometimes the reactions that people demonstrate have are not related their experience and therefore they have another

In 1986, B.F. Skinner wrote an article in which he stated, “human behavior in the West has grown weak, but it can be strengthened through the application of principles derived from an experimental analysis of behavior” (Schultz, D., & Schultz, S. (2012). Behaviorism: After the Founding. In A history of modern psychology

Behaviorism has been credited with providing clear predictions that can be scientifically tested and yield explanations that can be supported by evidence. For instance, in the application of Applied Behavioral Analysis in improving clients’ behaviors, the functions of individuals problematic behaviors can be evaluated and modified using behavior change principles including reinforcement. Similarly, behaviorism emphasizes the objective measurement of behaviors through providing clear and conceptual definitions, and its therapy is applicable to real life situations as in the case of anxiety. Conversely, studies incorporated into behaviorism allow for appropriate comparisons between animals and humans as in the Case of Watson’s, Thorndike’s and Pavlov’s studies respectively.

In the field of child development, many psychologists, sociologists, and behaviorists contributed and came up with different theories that helped to form our current education system. One of those is B.F. Skinner’s theory of behaviorism, which had a great impact on many strategies we use today for teaching and training. In his theory, operant conditioning is the most famous and influential idea that helped people to understand the behaviors of children and even adults. Skinner focused on how the environments, in the form of reinforcement and punishments, influence behaviors. Thus, his theory cannot explain the higher cognitive functions such as problem solving and critical thinking. Despite his theory’s critiques, Skinner stood strong on his ideas and theories.

The term behaviorism referred to the school of psychology founded by John B. Watson based on the proposition that all things which organisms do — including acting, thinking and feeling—can and should be regarded as behaviors (Staddon, 2001) . And this behavior could be researched scientifically . According to Pavlov, "Respondent Conditioning” resulted from the association of two stimuli, such as causing dogs to salivate at the sound a tuning fork. Consequently, Skinner developed “Operant Conditioning” where the “Stimulus-Response” association was elicited through selective reinforcement (rewards or punishments) to shape behavior. In this regard, behaviorism assumed that a learner was a passive recipient and responding to environmental stimuli. When applying the tenets of Behaviorism to teaching, Skinner asserted that the learner started off as a blank slate, and then his behavior was shaped via positive or negative reinforcement. Behaviorist