Mayra De Santiago
Dr. Karen Kwan
PSY 1010-056
4/28/15
Behavior Modification Essay
The procedures for the behavior modification assignment were first I had to choose
a study technique from Chapter 8, which was to design a behavior modification experiment
for myself over a two-week period, then record the data on a trial sheet. The study
techniques I was able to choose from were study repeatedly, make the material
meaningful, active retrieval devices, minimize interference, sleep more, and test your own
knowledge. I choose to study repeatedly with positive reinforcements. The reinforcements
were for me to reward myself with watching a favorite TV show. I decided that after work I
would study repeatedly for an hour and then watch a favorite show for 30minutes. After
school, I would do the same thing, this schedule was Monday through Thursday then Friday,
and Saturday, I would study repeatedly throughout the day because I had more time.
I feel that the behavioral modification experiment was somewhat successful, my
baseline at the beginning was 5/10, and after the program, averaging my quizzes is now
7/10. Time, motivation, and dedication were the factors that led this program to be
successful. I believe that with more time, this experiment could have been much more
successful. I had to cut my reward in half, which was watching 15 minutes of one of my
favorite shows, which I feel; did not motivate me enough. Work was also a contributing
factor, because I was too tired to study repeatedly and some days I would work more hours.
I believe this program was useful to me because when I was able to study repeatedly, then I
received higher scores on my quizzes and was able to retain more information. What I
would do to improve the behavior modification experiment, is give myself a different kind
of positive reinforcement, for example tokens. Each time I studied repeatedly for an hour, I
give myself a token. If I collected 15 tokens, I would treat myself to a Starbucks coffee at the
end of the week.
I feel that by doing the behavior modification experiment, I learned a few things
about myself, first, that by using a study technique and reinforcing myself with a positive
reward I can receive better scores, improve my memory and retain the material longer. I
also found it motivating because I looked forward to watching my favorite show when I was
I was done. I know now that I can be a better student and enjoy to study! I also learned
different study techniques that I can use in the future for other classes. I enjoyed doing the
behavior modification experiment because I know that I can be a successful learner!