Chapter 1
What is Behavior Modification?
Behavior
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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
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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