Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Introduction Chapter 1

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. What Is Behavior? Withdrawal Tardiness Littering Ineffective studying Writing a novel Speeding Phobias Migraines Staff Management Athletic performance Adapting in a personal care home “Anything a person says or does”

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. What Is Behavior Modification? Strong emphasis on –Defining problems in terms of behavior that can be measured in some way using precise language –Using scientific information measuring changes in the behavior as the best indicator of the extent to which the problem is being helped. –It can work within an individual's everyday life and environment. –It places high value on accountability for everyone involved in behavior modification programs. Definition Behavior Modification : involves the systematic application of learning principles and techniques to assess and improve individuals’ covert and overt behaviors in order to enhance their functioning.”

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Behavioral Assessment Involves the collection and analysis of information and data in order to: (a) identify and describe target behaviors (b) identify possible causes of the behavior (c) guide the selection of an appropriate behavioral treatment (d) evaluate treatment outcome

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Behavioral Modification and Related Terms Behavior analysis refers to the scientific study of laws that govern the behavior of human beings and other animals. Applied behavior analysis is behavior modification in which there is typically an attempt to analyze or clearly demonstrate controlling variables of the behavior of concern. Behavior therapy is typically behavior modification carried out on dysfunctional behavior. “Behavior modification encompasses both behavior therapy and applied behavior analysis.”

Applied Behavioral Analysis Focus on measurable behavior that is socially significant Strong emphasis on the learning principles frequently referred to as operant conditioning to develop treatment strategies An attempt to clearly demonstrate that the applied treatment was responsible for the behavioral improvement. Demonstration of long-lasting improvements that are generalizable. Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Some Misconceptions About Behavior Modification Myth 1: Use of rewards by behavior modifiers to change behavior is bribery. Myth 2: Behavior modification involves the use of drugs, psychosurgery, and electroconvulsive therapy. Myth 3: Behavior modification only changes symptoms; it doesn’t get at the underlying problems. Myth 4: Behavior modification can be applied to deal with simple problems, such as toilet training children or overcoming fear of heights, but it is not applicable for changing complex problems such as low self-esteem or depression. Myth 5: Behavior modifiers are cold and unfeeling and don’t develop empathy with their clients. Myth 6: Behavior modifiers deal only with observable behavior; they don’t deal with thoughts and feelings of clients. Myth 7: Behavior modification is outdated.

Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved. Looking Ahead

Operational Definitions The following sets of slides come from information found at this website: /DirectObservationTips.pdf Copyright © 2011 Pearson Education, Inc. All rights reserved.

Elements of an Operational Definition A title or brief description of the behavior The topography (physical movements involved) of the behavior Frequency of the behavior Length or duration of the behavior Description of the behavior's intensity

Criterion Good DefinitionGood ExampleBad Example ObjectivityRefers to observable characteristics of the behavior or to events in the environment that can be observed. The number of cigarettes smoked. The amount of time spent studying. ClarityThe definition is so clear that another person unfamiliar with the behavior could measure it consistently. A tantrum is defined as screaming, shouting, whining, stomping feet, throwing things, or slamming doors. Count each time the person seems depressed. CompletenessThe boundaries of the behavior are clearly delineated so that responses can be easily included or excluded. This usually includes a time frame for measurement as well. A new episode of tantrums is counted if there is at least 10 minutes of calm between behaviors. Keep track of how often the person seems to be in a good or a bad mood.

Units of Measurement Frequency: the number of times the behavior occurs in a specific time period. Duration: total amount of time occupied by the behavior from start to finish. Latency: the time from some event to the onset of the behavior. Intensity: the magnitude, strength, amplitude, force, or effort of a response.

Methods of Measurement Externalizing: –Systematic Observations Interval Methods: time, duration, latency Ratio Methods: how often something happens Internalizing: –Rating Scales Published Specially Developed Intensity: –Technology