Behavior Modification History

The theoretical background upon behavior modification techniques

Abstract Behavior modification is a technique about the change in undesired behavior and enhancing desired behavior. In this paper is shown the history of this technique, when it dates from, a theoretical background and the steps of the modification, in order to be successful and thriving. This paper will show one of the first experiments with the behavior modification and how they helped this behavior technique to evolve, so to be helpful for therapeutic purposes as well as for parental purposes.

Table of contents: 1. Introduction………………………………………………………………..…2 2. History of behavior modification………………………………………….....2 3. Principles of behavior modification……………………………………….....3
It is an approach that aims to modify the behavior of a person through the use of positive or negative reinforcement and punishment. Rewards such as approval, cloth, food or even money can support and strengthen the desired behavior and improve its regularity and occurrence. Behavior modification technique is used in many different situations, varying from the performance of children in their classroom, in their home or in the playground to the actions of adult prison inmates or people who need therapeutic treatment. For instance, if a child is doing her or his homework, this is a desired and wanted behavior. A teacher can support this kind of activity by providing the child with praise or a star on a chart to encourage the child to repeat this behavior. In the next lesson the kid has done the homework in order to get another star. This is a behavior
Reference list

• Fernandez, Cr. (2010) Examples of Behavior Modification Techniques Available from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/181974-examples-of-behavior-modification-techniques/ [Accessed November 2012]
• Labrador, Fr. (2004) Skinner and the Rise of Behavior Modification and Behavior Therapy Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15581239 Accessed [November 2012]
• Martinez, El. (2010) Types of Behavior Modification Available from: http://www.livestrong.com/article/123748-types-behavior-modification/ Accessed [November 2012]
• Nayab, N (2011) Examples of Behavior Modification Approaches That Really Work Available from: http://www.brighthub.com/office/human resources/articles/107630.aspx [Accessed November 2012]
• Steeves, J. (2012) A Review of Different Behavior Modification Strategies Designed to Reduce Sedentary Screen Behaviors in Children Available from: http://www.hindawi.com/journals/jobes/2012/379215/ Accessed [November