Psychology 741
Behavior Modification
3 Semester Hours Credit
Spring Semester, 2010
Thursdays, 3:30-6:20
1-14-10to 5-06-10
Dr. Rick Lindskog
University Professor
208 D Whitesitt Hall
Email: clindsko@pittstate.edu
620-235-4532
Graduate Assistant:
Nickole Masoner
Email: namasoner@gmail.com
235-6040
School of Education
Department of Psychology and Counseling
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
I.
Course Description
This course is designed to acquaint the student with a variety of behavioral theories and
interventions. An emphasis will be placed on the operant model, and then a series of
behavioral interventions will be presented. The course will integrate concepts from
statistics, applied psychology, and research design.
II.
Prerequisites: Senior or Graduate Status
III.
Purpose of the Course: To develop a knowledge base and performance competencies in
applying basic concepts of behavioral psychology in varied settings.
IV. Course Objectives
A. The student will demonstrate knowledge of terminology, principles, ethics, and techniques
of behavioral models.
B. The student will demonstrate knowledge of various behavioral interventions (e.g. use of
reinforcement, behavior shaping, systematic desensitization, etc.).
C. The student will demonstrate application of behavioral methodology (e.g., behavioral
observation, establishing appropriate goals, quantification of data, graphing, research
design, data analysis, and assessment of treatment effects).
D. The student will demonstrate knowledge of basic models of behavior therapy
interventions (e.g., operant conditioning, systematic desensitization and relaxation
training, assertion training, modeling, etc.).
E. The student will demonstrate applied competencies in the application of basic behavioral
principles by completing assigned modules using Sniffy the Virtual Rat. Sniffy is a
virtual rat installed in the Psychology computer lab in Whitesitt hHall.
V.
Instructional Resources
Required Text: Miltenberger, R.G. (2004). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures
(4th Ed.) Stamford, CT: Wadsworth.
PowerPoint presentations and other papers such as test reviews and the Sniffy modules will
be posted on Angel, which is accessible through PSU’s Home page (www.pittstate.edu).
VI. Teaching Strategies
A. Lectures & Class Discussions
B. Readings
1. Textbooks
2. Journals
3. Handouts
C. Group Activities
D. Guest Speakers
E. Computer Lab Projects
VII. Course Requirements
A. Read text assignments and other reading as assigned.
B. Class participation is encouraged and will be informally evaluated.
Attendance is required. Please see your University Handbook
for
PSU
attendance policy. Those who are excessively absent should drop the course.
C. Take all exams as scheduled. Make-up tests not arranged for prior to the test missed will
not be administered. Late papers will be penalized five points per day.
D. Assignments in the computer lab with Sniffy the Virtual Rat. Assignments will be given
in class, along with instructions and papers needed to document your activities. You will
be given lectures and demonstrations in class on the “care and feeding” of Sniffy.
Modules will take approximately one-half to one hour of computer time each, and are
distributed across the semester. Typically you'll have one to two weeks to complete each
module. The topics will include:
Behavioral Observation and Recording
20 points
Magazine Training
10 points
Using Reinforcement
20 points
Shaping Behaviors
30 points
E. In class assignments and learning activities. There will be occasional in-class learning
activities that will be awarded points for correctness, or in some cases, participation.
VIII. Evaluation
Grades will be earned according to performance on tests, and the scores obtained on
projects/papers. Please note that exams include class lecture material not necessarily covered
in the textbook.
Tests will be primarily application-oriented short answer, along with some multiplechoice and true/false. There will be three exams, and a cumulative Final which will total
approximately 200 points. Your Sniffy projects will be worth an additional 80 points. In
addition, there will be occasional classroom activities or quizzes over reading assignments
worth approximately 10 points each.
The final course grade will be based on your cumulative point total.
Grades for exams and the cumulative total for the course will be assigned on a curve
which will not be more stringent than: A=90%; B=80%; C=70%; D=60%.
IX. Course Content
A. Course Content/Introduction
B. Ethics in Behavioral Approaches
C. Classical Model (including basic biofeedback techniques)
D. Operant Model
E. Contingency Management
F. Social Learning Theory & Modeling
G. Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches
H. EEG Neurofeedback
I. Systematic Desensitization/Relaxation Training
J. Assertion Training
Please see the attached calendar for lecture dates and timelines for papers and exams.