BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION EXERCISE

Nobody is perfect. This is an opportunity for you to change some aspect of your behavior using principles of operant conditioning. Focus on some specific type of behavior that you would like to strengthen or perform more (exercise, studying, being punctual, being polite, etc) or a behavior you would like to eliminate or do less (partying, eating fatty foods, smoking, watching too much TV, being rude, etc). Record the behavior without attempting any change, and then try to change the behavior using behavior modification principles. DAY 1 STEP 1. Decide on the behavior you will increase or decrease. >Write a paragraph description of the behavior. Be behaviorally specific as possible. >Express the goal of your project in observable, measurable and quantifiable terms. Be very specific. STEP 2. Establish the baseline. >Record your behavior as it normally occurs for one day. This is your baseline which you will use for comparison after attempting to change your behavior. >Try to generate a plausible explanation why the problem exists. >Describe why you want to change the behavior and what benefits change will bring. STEP 3. Design program for modifying the behavior. >Select reinforcing stimulus and design the contingencies. Make a list of reinforcers which you have decided are potent and controllable for you and by you. List these reinforcers in your report, and note which one you plan to use to control the behavior. You can also identify punishersaversive stimuli that you would rather avoid. You will be using these to reduce behavior. USE ONLY CONSEQUENCES THAT WILL NOT CAUSE HARM TO YOU OR ANYBODY IN ANY WAY. >Types of reinforcers to consider: Physical rewards: Candy, food, drinks, simple things you want, etc. Social rewards: Arrange for someone else to give you praise, attention and so on if you perform the target behavior Activities: Things you like to do (such as watching TV, socializing, etc.) that you cannot do if you do not perform the behavior (*It is advisable to use a variety of reinforcers so you will not burn out on one). >State the exact conditions under which these consequences are applied (e.g. If I study for one hour I will get 5 M&M candies) >If you plan to use punishment, then state the criteria as well (e.g. I did not meet my goal of studying for 3 hours and so the following day I did not permit myself to listen to any music) DAYS 2 6 STEP 4. Implement the Program. >Begin controlling the behavior through judicious use of reinforcers and punishment. >Each day, record the behavior you have chosen to modify and the number of times you earned the reinforcement or received the punishment. STEP 5. Write an Honest Report. >Compare the number of times you performed the behavior in days 2 through 6 with your baseline (Day 1). Was there a change in your behavior? >To what degree was the program successful? >Cite plausible explanations for success or failure and: a. propose alternative plan (if failed) b. propose plan to help maintain the change (if successful)