What Is Behaviour Modification
What is Behavior Modification?
Behavior modification is a therapeutic technique based on the work of B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist who is known as the "Father of Behaviorism." Skinner developed a theory of operant conditioning, which states that all behavior is governed by reinforcing and punishing stimuli. Behavior modification uses a scheduled approach that rewards desired behavior and "punishes" undesirable behavior. This technique continues to be used in therapy and is used in many psychological settings.
Principles
Reinforcement and punishment are the main principles of behavior modification. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, while punishment weakens a behavior. Both can be either positive or negative. Positive reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with a pleasant stimulus, while negative reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with the removal of a negative stimulus. Positive punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the addition of a negative stimulus, while negative punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the removal of a pleasant stimulus. For example, a rat accustomed to receiving food when pressing the lever, no longer receives food when pressing the lever. The rat has experienced negative punishment.
Applications of Behavior Modification
Behavior modification is an effective technique used to treat many disorders such as attention deficit disorder, autism or oppositional defiant disorder. Furthermore, the fundamentals of behavior modification can be used to increase desired behaviors in any individual, regardless of functional level. For example, an individual who wants to quit smoking cigarettes, or a parent who wants her child to consistently make the bed, may use behavioral techniques to help achieve those goals. Behavior modification can also be implemented on a systematic scale to increase productivity within organizations and businesses. Articles such as "A Behavior
Behavior modification is a therapeutic technique based on the work of B.F. Skinner, a famous psychologist who is known as the "Father of Behaviorism." Skinner developed a theory of operant conditioning, which states that all behavior is governed by reinforcing and punishing stimuli. Behavior modification uses a scheduled approach that rewards desired behavior and "punishes" undesirable behavior. This technique continues to be used in therapy and is used in many psychological settings.
Principles
Reinforcement and punishment are the main principles of behavior modification. Reinforcement strengthens a behavior, while punishment weakens a behavior. Both can be either positive or negative. Positive reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with a pleasant stimulus, while negative reinforcement describes desirable behavior rewarded with the removal of a negative stimulus. Positive punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the addition of a negative stimulus, while negative punishment occurs when an undesirable behavior results in the removal of a pleasant stimulus. For example, a rat accustomed to receiving food when pressing the lever, no longer receives food when pressing the lever. The rat has experienced negative punishment.
Applications of Behavior Modification
Behavior modification is an effective technique used to treat many disorders such as attention deficit disorder, autism or oppositional defiant disorder. Furthermore, the fundamentals of behavior modification can be used to increase desired behaviors in any individual, regardless of functional level. For example, an individual who wants to quit smoking cigarettes, or a parent who wants her child to consistently make the bed, may use behavioral techniques to help achieve those goals. Behavior modification can also be implemented on a systematic scale to increase productivity within organizations and businesses. Articles such as "A Behavior