Behavior Modification Program

aqua2

BMod-lec14forunit9.ppt

Home >Applied Sciences homework help >Behavior Modification Program

Chapter 1

Introduction to

Behavior Modification

The applied science and professional practice concerned with analyzing and modifying human behavior

Synonymous with Applied Behavior Analysis

Characteristics of Behavior

1. Involves an individual’s actions not labels

2. Involves measurable dimensions

- frequency - duration

- intensity - latency

3. Can be observed, described, and recorded

4. Has an impact on the environment (physical or social)

5. Behavior is lawful

6. May be overt or covert

Characteristics of Behavior Modification

1. Focus on behavior

- behavioral excesses or deficits

2. Guided by the theory and philosophy of behaviorism

3. Based on basic behavioral principles

4. Emphasis on current environmental events - antecedents and consequences

5. Procedures are clearly described

6. Measurement of behavior change - immediate and long term

7. No emphasis on the past

8. Rejection of underlying causes - explanatory fictions - similarities between the medical model and the behavioral model

9. Treatment implemented by people in everyday life

Common Misconceptions
About Behavior Modification

Relies on punishment
Uses bribes
Simplistic
Ignores the real causes of behavior, just treats the symptoms
Leads to people controlling each other
Ruins intrinsic motivation
Makes people dependent on external incentives
Dehumanizes people
It only works with kids and individuals with disabilities

Historical Roots of Behavior Modification

1911 Thorndike - Animal Intelligence (law of effect)

1924 Watson - Behaviorism

1927 Pavlov - Conditioned Reflexes

1930’s Skinner - Basic research on behavioral principles

- 40’s

1938 Skinner - Behavior of Organisms

1950's Behavior modification with humans

1953 Skinner - Science and Human Behavior

1957 Skinner – Verbal Behavior

1958 Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior

1963 Behaviour Research and Therapy (journal)

Historical Roots of
Behavior Modification, con’t

1966 Assoc. for Advancement of Behavior Therapy

1968 Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (Baer, Wolf, & Risley, 1968)

1970 Behavior Therapy (journal)

1970 Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry

1977 Behavior Modification (journal)

1978 The Behavior Analyst (journal)

1978 Association for Behavior Analysis

1980- Continued research (basic and applied)

2000’s Functional approach

Certification in behavior analysis

Evolution of Behavior Modification and Applied Behavior Analysis

Basic demonstrations of environmental influences on behavior (with lab animals then people)
Development of treatments primarily consisting of reinforcement and/or punishment
Development of treatment packages
Development and refinement of functional assessment/functional analysis
Functional approach to assessment and intervention
Wide range of applications and refinements

Areas of Application

Developmental disabilities
Mental illness
Education and special education
Rehabilitation
Community psychology
Clinical/counseling psychology
Business, industry, and human services
Self-management
Child behavior management
Prevention
Sports performance
Health-related behaviors
Gerontology

Professional Practice,
Certification, and Ethics

Evolution of behavior modification into a profession
The development of certification by the BACB
Ethical guidelines to govern the practice and protect consumers