Conditioning Assignment
Amy Meade
Department of Psychology, Liberty University
PSYC 365: Psychological Foundations of Learning
Dr. Bob Friberg
February 6, 2023
Procrastination
Procrastination affects all of us at one point or another, very commonly seen in academics
whether it be high school or even college. Sometimes procrastination comes from the inability to
manage time properly, lack of motivation, and even pure laziness. Though instrumental behavior
may play a significant role as to why we procrastinate. Instrumental behavior occurs because it
was an effective means of producing specific consequences previously (Domjan, 2018). In this
essence, my friend may have received a good grade even though she procrastinated in the past,
then the result will likely be that she will procrastinate again as there was no significant
consequence. Another potential reason for her procrastination could be due to the post-
reinforcement pause. The post-reinforcement pause is signified when it takes a large number of
responses to produce the next reward (Domjan, 2018). Reinforcement is more effective when the
reinforcement immediately follows the action. In the case of academics, the reward is not
immediate, therefore leading to procrastination from one assignment to the next. However,
thankfully there are ways to present more self-control and to help train yourself from
procrastinating. One suggestion that I would offer is to set small obtainable goals. An example
could be to set certain times for portions of assignments to be done, concluding that the
assignment is complete on time. Another suggestion that I would offer to my friend is to reward
herself when she completes an assignment on time immediately with a large reward. As time
goes on, she can slowly diminish the frequency and size of her reward. Procrastination can make
a severe impact on one's life, thankfully by setting goals and rewarding ourselves for doing well,
we can conquer all that we set our minds on to.
Self-Control
Establishing self- control from a biblical perspective is an essential part of being a human
who is faced with temptations every day. As expressed in (Proverbs 25:28, New International
Version), “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls." When we
exercise self-control, we are establishing boundaries and rules over the actions that we make.
Whereas, if we do not exercise self-control those temptations, we are faced with are then in
control of us. We are created in the image of God, and God himself expresses self-control
therefore we should carry out his image in all things, not limiting to just self-control. God
presents self-control as he is patient towards those who sin, giving them the opportunity to repent
their sins. God is not swayed towards evil or anything untrue or unclean, which allows us to seek
him for peace and comfort. Therefore, as Christians when we are upholding self-control, we are
pursuing these acts of godliness and truly resonating within God’s image. Self-control is also a
great protection against sin and temptation. In (1 Peter 1:14, New International Version), self-
control against evil is spoke upon, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you
had when you lived in ignorance.” By doing the work now and living and breathing Gods word,
we can later have a greater reward. Overall, when we have self-control, we can pursue and live to
be our best selves and strive for the eternal peace we are working hard for every day.
References
The principles of learning and behavior | 7th Edition - Cengage. (2018). Retrieved January 27,
2023, from https://www.cengage.com/c/the-principles-of-learning-and-behavior-7e-
domjan/9781285088563
The Gideons International in the British Isles. (2012). The holy bible: New international version.
