Behavior Modification Can behaviors be modify? B.F. Skinner

Who was Skinner???? Burrhus Frederic Skinner was born March 20, 1904, in the small Pennsylvania town of Susquehanna. August 18, 1990, B. F. Skinner died of leukemia after becoming perhaps the most celebrated psychologist since Sigmund Freud.

Skinner Skinner, the psychologist most notably associated with operant conditioning, demonstrated this theory through the use of a "Skinner Box," which automatically provided food pellets and electrical shocks to rats. Through the use of reinforcement and punishment, Skinner was able either to increase or decrease the likelihood that the rats would push a lever.

Reinforcement Reinforcements will likely increase or decrease the recurrence of a particular behavior. The reinforcement can be either positive or negative.

Punishment Skinner did not believe in punishments. Skinner thought that punishments should only be enforced when absolutely necessary. – Such as a fight He felt that punishment was a reward to some students, because they are receiving the attention that was desired. Skinner felt that if the good behavior was rewarded and the bad behavior ignored, the bad behavior would diminish.

Examples: Internal competiveness – Have the children challenge themselves to do their very best. Use the charts as reminders of agreements, not a record of rewards or payoffs. Focus on the child's accomplishments instead of giving demerits for poor performance. In the classroom If their agenda is filled out and the previous day has been signed off by a parent the student will receive a sticker for their chart. If the agenda is not signed by a parent or guardian the student will not receive the sticker.

Strength It is simple to use. Results are immediate. It accommodates most teachers' desire to maintain control. Students can feel successful when they obtain rewards. Standards of behavior are uniform, consistent, and clear to all students. Time does not have to be spent in class discussing rules and students' conduct. It can be readily employed with all students regardless of age. The procedure has been well researched and found to work consistently

Weaknesses The results might not last long. Students may not perform as desired when rewards are terminated Students may not learn how to govern their own behavior The approach may seem too much like bribery to some teachers It ignores any underlying problems caused by influences at home, in society, or at school To use so much control in a democratic society may be unethical Students do not get an opportunity to clarify emotions, weigh alternatives, decide on solutions, or develop their intellect Rewards undermine intrinsic motivation

Resources Behavior modification: B.f. skinner. (2010, September 13). Retrieved from Modification - Skinner Aiger, A. (2012, June 07). Behavior modification. Retrieved from Dr. George Boeree, B. (2006). Psychwatch.com. In Dr. C. George Boeree. Retrieved from Pawel, J. (1996). Using behavior modification techniques. Retrieved from ques.html McLeod, S. A. (2007). B.F. Skinner | Operant Conditioning.Retrieved from