Behavior Modification I

Lecture 10

Changing Our Behavior

Behavior modification:

Systematically applying behavior principles to the task of changing someone’s target behavior

… our own or someone else’s.

Janice & John Baldwin

Operant conditioning principles ~

Some Applications

Personal physical fitness motivation

Psychotherapy panic attacks phobias

Special education basic life skills social skills ~

Steps in Behavior Modification

Scientific use of behavior (learning) principles Goal setting Behavioral Definitions Functional Analysis Objective measurement Data collection Evaluation ~

Goal Setting

Identify target behavior the one we wish to change

Excesses undesirable behaviors

Deficits lack certain skills

Developing human potential self-actualization ~

Excesses

Deficits

Human Potential

Behavioral Definitions

Careful definition of target behavior detailed objective measurable in numerical units

Example vague: I want to study more. effective: On every study day, I want to

study 30 minutes longer per day. ~

Chains of Behavior

Accomplishment of overall goal Target behavior defined in smaller operant

units linked together in chain of activities

Can focus on weakest links first divide it into smaller behavioral units

Basic skills --> integrated whole avoid coaches’ trap ~

Behavioral Definitions: Advantages Establishes performance level

reward when goal attained no reward for suboptimal performance

Helps create rules to solve problems if goals not being met how to address shortfall

Helps evaluate merit of behavior changes is it producing the desired effect? is a different approach needed? ~

Functional Analysis

Identify controlling (maintaining) variables Antecedents Consequences Hypotheses on role of behavior ABC model (SD : B SR)

Used to create behavioral interventions reduce unwanted behaviors while encouraging desirable one ~

Functional Analysis Antecedents

promote target behavior inhibit target behavior

Behavior desired / undesired other behaviors

Consequences promote target behavior inhibit target behavior

Functional Analysis: Example Self-injurious behavior (SIB)

Iwata et al Antecedent

parents attention directed elsewhere Behavior

SIB Consequence

attention directed towards child Operant phenomena? ~

Functional Analysis: Example or… Antecedent

direct child to eat stewed tomatoes Behavior

SIB Consequence

demand withdrawn Operant phenomena? ~

Objective Measurement

Behavior and controlling stimuli Objectively record

quantifiable form timing frequency

Establish baseline for behavior~

Objective Measurement Example: Reduce smoking Form

# of packs, cigarettes, or puffs? practical choice of measurement

Frequency ratio of count & length of observation

Timing duration of behavior ~

Objective Measurement Other useful measures

% of task completed groups: # or % of people completing task rating scales: qualitative behaviors

Use combination of scales No predetermined scale for a behavior

quality of social contacts, not number or vice versa depends on individual’s goals ~

Data Collection

Collect & record data graphs checklists Notebooks ABC Diaries, etc.

About ABC Antecedents, Behavior, Consequences ~

ABC Diary for Child’s TantrumsAntecedents (A) Behavior (B) Consequences (C)

We turned off TV

22 minNo TV. We tried to comfort him

He demanded a glass of water at bedtime

24 minWe finally gave him water

After a bedtime story

18 minWe left the room

Had turned of TV

26 minSent him to his room

Data Collection: Methods

Direct observation Indirect observation

results of behavior Questionnaires / interviews Goal

how is behavior function of antecedents & consequences ~

Evaluation Evaluate all steps

functional analysis See convincing behavioral changes?

Inspect records/graphs Criteria

normalcy health & personal adjustment consumer satisfaction

Importance of practical criteria i.e., 50% decline in arson behavior? ~