Behavior Modification I Lesson 6

Changing Our Behavior n Behavior modification: Systematically applying behavior principles to the task of changing someone’s target behavior … our own or someone else’s. Janice & John Baldwin n Operant conditioning principles ~

Some Applications n Personal l  physical fitness l  motivation n Psychotherapy l panic attacks l phobias n Special education l basic life skills l social skills ~

Steps in Behavior Modification n Scientific use of behavior (learning) principles l Goal setting l Behavioral Definitions l Functional Analysis l Objective measurement l Data collection l Evaluation ~

Goal Setting n Identify target behavior l the one we wish to change n Excesses l undesirable behaviors n Deficits l lack certain skills n Developing human potential l self-actualization ~

Behavioral Definitions n Careful definition of target behavior l Detailed (specific) & objective l measurable in numerical units n Example l vague: I want to get better grades. l effective: u Study 2 hr for ea. class hr u Take 3 pages notes ea. class u Sleep 8 hrs per night ~

Behavioral Definitions n Behavior vs traits n Dead person rule n Questions to answer l What? l When? l Where? l How often? l How long? l How to measure/record? ~

Chains of Behavior n Accomplishment of overall goal l Target behavior defined in smaller operant units l linked together in chain of activities n Can focus on weakest links first l divide it into smaller behavioral units n Basic skills  integrated whole l avoid coaches’ trap l salsa dancing ~

Behavioral Definitions: Advantages n Establishes performance level l For target behavior l B  reward l No B  no reward n Helps create rules to solve problems l if goals not being met l is a different approach needed? ~

Functional Analysis n Identify controlling (maintaining) variables l Antecedents l Consequences l Hypotheses on role of behavior l ABC model (S D : B  S R ) n Used to create behavioral interventions l reduce unwanted behaviors l while encouraging desirable one ~

Functional Analysis n Antecedents l promote target behavior l inhibit target behavior n Behavior l desired / undesired l other behaviors n Consequences l promote target behavior l inhibit target behavior

Functional Analysis: Example n Self-injurious behavior (SIB) l Iwata et al n Antecedent l parents attention directed elsewhere n Behavior l SIB n Consequence l attention directed towards child n Operant phenomena? ~

Functional Analysis: Example n Antecedent l Tell child to eat stewed tomatoes n Behavior l SIB n Consequence l demand withdrawn n Operant phenomena? ~

Functional Analysis: Purpose n Identify relationship: A & C to B l Context (A)/ Outcome (C) of Behavior n Key: how does S R change B ? l  B = reinforcement l  B = punishment n NOT that it appears appetitive/aversive ~

Intervention/Treatment n Change controlling variables   or  B l Antecedents l Consequences n  behavioral deficits l Preparation, reminders l Reinforcement n  behavioral excesses l Punishment or extinction l Reinforce competing responses ~

The Dead Person Rule n When  behavioral excesses n “Never ask someone to do something a dead person can do” l Don’t ask them not to behave l Punishment & extinction n Promote competing response l Fills behavioral void l Alternate way to reach goal ~

Evaluation n Multiple evaluations of process l Is desired change occurring? n Monitor data l ABC diary, graphs l More to come n Re-assess treatment (controlling variables) l Change antecedents? l Change consequences? n Evaluate again ~