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Academic Procrastination as a Behavior Modification:
Baseline Phase Target Behavior
Nonnie J. Ramsey
Liberty University
320 Psychology: Behavior Modification
Professor Thornhill
June 12, 2023
Academic Procrastination as a Behavior Modification: Baseline Phase
Target Behavior
Academic Procrastination is the observed behavior for this project This type of procrastination .
can be described as an intentional attempt to delay academic tasks despite the knowledge of
the known consequences (Jahangir, Saed, & Khahpoor, 2020).
Experiment Narrative
For this project observation was recorded for a period of a week from June 5 to June 12,
2023. It was recorded in a natural setting at my home. It was recorded once a day by method of
pen and paper. When the observation period ended, the data was then transferred to a graph to
indicate when procrastination occurred (Figure 1).
Dimension (Results)
During the duration of this project the dimension of the frequency of academic
procrastination was observed several times during the period of a day. The observer was aware
that some level of procrastination was present but was unaware of the level to which it was
measured. The highest level of academic procrastination seemed to occur on Wednesday. Using
cognitive behavior therapy jumbled and overwhelming thoughts of tasks left to accomplish were
dismissed.
Summary of Treatment
During this treatment phase the act of academic procrastination decreased. The reason for the
procrastination was thought upon. The conclusion was to the reason was the participant
insecurity in the ability to complete the assignments. Upon the occurrence of thoughts of
procrastination, the participant would dismiss the thoughts. The participant decided to make a
timed list of assignments with a notification bell to alert the participant to tasks to complete in
a timely manner. The participant also noted that burnout could also be a factor in her
prolonged procrastination of school duties.
References
Mohammadi Bytamar, J., Saed, O., & Khakpoor, S. (2020). Emotion Regulation
Difficulties and Academic Procrastination. , , 524588. Frontiers in psychology 11
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.524588
