Chapter 1

What is Behavior Modification?

Behavior

• simple action• can be overt (observable)• can be covert (not directly observable)• covert behavior must be inferred from overt

responses

What is Not Behavior?

• interpretive descriptions of a personality trait• diagnostic labels• outcome of behavior

Origins of Behavior

• learning: some behavior develops as result of experience

• hereditary factors: some behavioral responses are based on inherited characteristics

Learning

• learning is a permanent change in behavior that results from experience

• learning processes include:– respondent conditioning– operant conditioning– modeling– cognitive processes

Respondent Conditioning

Operant Conditioning

• antecedent, behavior, and consequence define behavioral situations– antecedents set the occasion for the behavior– behavior is what organisms do– consequence influence the future occurrence of

the behavior

Operant Conditioning (continued)

• the three-term contingency is the relationship among antecedent, behavior, and consequence

• operant and respondent conditioning often have concurrent influence on a single behavior

Concurrent Influence of Operant and Respondent Conditioning

Modeling

• modeling is learning through observation of others

• also called social, observational, vicarious, and imitative learning

• Bandura showed modeling influenced aggression• modeling influenced by observation of

consequences

Modeling (continued)

• modeling can:– initiate behavior– teach new task– influence response rate– teach emotional responses

Cognitive Processes

• cognition is thought• thought can be considered a covert antecedent• self-efficacy appears to be positively correlated

with the likelihood of success

Behavior Modification

• focuses on behavior• emphasizes influences of learning and the

environment• takes a scientific approach• uses pragmatic and active methods to change

behavior

Focus on Behavior

• avoid interpretive labels and diagnostic systems• focus on behavioral deficits or behavioral excess

Learning and the Environment

• behavior changes as a result of learning• changing antecedents and consequences can lead

to behavior change• learning approach may be limited by physiological

and cultural influences

Scientific Orientation

• use empirically validated therapy techniques• therapy outcomes evaluated objectively

Pragmatic and Active Methods to Change Behavior

• therapy techniques selected based on effectiveness• some methods based on operant conditioning,

respondent conditioning, and modeling research and theory

• cognitive methods are based on our understanding of how our thoughts lead to actions

Pragmatic and Active Methods to Change Behavior (continued)

• participants take a more active role in therapy

Early Theory and Research

• John Locke (tabula rasa)• Pavlov (respondent conditioning) • Thorndike• John Watson (father of behaviorism)• Watson and Rayner (Little Albert)• Mary Cover Jones (Peter)

Emergence and Growth of Behavior Modification

• 1950s: behavior modification gains acceptance• 1960s: the establishment of the Journal of Applied

Behavior Analysis• 1970s: behavior modification expands to include

cognition

Effective Applications of Behavior Modification

• parenting and parent/child relationships– oppositional behavior– bed-wetting

• education– programmed instruction– PSI– peer tutoring– classroom conduct

Effective Applications of Behavior Modification (continued)

• health and sports– health risks– compliance with treatments– enhanced athletic performance

• employment settings– increase productivity– reduce losses– improve safety

Effective Applications of Behavior Modification (continued)

• self-management– learn behavioral techniques to control own

behavior