Behavior Modification I Lecture 10 Changing Our Behavior

Behavior Modification I Lecture 10

Changing Our Behavior n Behavior modification: Systematically applying behavior principles to the task of changing someone’s target behavior … our own or someone else’s. Janice & John Baldwin n Operant conditioning principles ~

Some Applications Personal l physical fitness l motivation n Psychotherapy l panic attacks l phobias n Special education l basic life skills l social skills ~ n

Steps in Behavior Modification n Scientific use of behavior (learning) principles l Goal setting l Behavioral Definitions l Functional Analysis l Objective measurement l Data collection l Evaluation ~

Goal Setting Identify target behavior l the one we wish to change n Excesses l undesirable behaviors n Deficits l lack certain skills n Developing human potential l self-actualization ~ n

Excesses Deficits Human Potential

Behavioral Definitions Careful definition of target behavior l detailed l objective l measurable in numerical units n Example l vague: I want to study more. l effective: On every study day, I want to study 30 minutes longer per day. ~ n

Chains of Behavior Accomplishment of overall goal l Target behavior defined in smaller operant units l linked together in chain of activities n Can focus on weakest links first l divide it into smaller behavioral units n Basic skills --> integrated whole l avoid coaches’ trap ~ n

Behavioral Definitions: Advantages Establishes performance level l reward when goal attained l no reward for suboptimal performance n Helps create rules to solve problems l if goals not being met l how to address shortfall n Helps evaluate merit of behavior changes l is it producing the desired effect? l is a different approach needed? ~ n

Functional Analysis Identify controlling (maintaining) variables l Antecedents l Consequences l Hypotheses on role of behavior D R l ABC model (S : B S ) n Used to create behavioral interventions l reduce unwanted behaviors l while encouraging desirable one ~ n

Functional Analysis Antecedents l promote target behavior l inhibit target behavior n Behavior l desired / undesired l other behaviors n Consequences l promote target behavior l inhibit target behavior n

Functional Analysis: Example Self-injurious behavior (SIB) l Iwata et al n Antecedent l parents attention directed elsewhere n Behavior l SIB n Consequence l attention directed towards child n Operant phenomena? ~ n

Functional Analysis: Example or… n Antecedent l direct child to eat stewed tomatoes n Behavior l SIB n Consequence l demand withdrawn n Operant phenomena? ~ n

Objective Measurement Behavior and controlling stimuli n Objectively record quantifiable l form l timing l frequency n Establish baseline for behavior~ n

Objective Measurement Example: Reduce smoking n Form l # of packs, cigarettes, or puffs? l practical choice of measurement n Frequency l ratio of count & length of observation n Timing l duration of behavior ~ n

Objective Measurement Other useful measures l % of task completed l groups: # or % of people completing task l rating scales: qualitative behaviors n Use combination of scales n No predetermined scale for a behavior l quality of social contacts, not number l or vice versa l depends on individual’s goals ~ n

Data Collection Collect & record data l graphs l checklists l Notebooks l ABC Diaries, etc. n About ABC l Antecedents, Behavior, Consequences ~ n

ABC Diary for Child’s Tantrums Antecedents (A) We turned off TV He demanded a glass of water at bedtime After a bedtime story Had turned of TV Behavior (B) Consequences (C) 22 min No TV. We tried to comfort him 24 min We finally gave him water 18 min We left the room 26 min Sent him to his room

Data Collection: Methods Direct observation n Indirect observation l results of behavior n Questionnaires / interviews n Goal l how is behavior function of antecedents & consequences ~ n

Evaluation Evaluate all steps l functional analysis n See convincing behavioral changes? l Inspect records/graphs n Criteria l normalcy l health & personal adjustment l consumer satisfaction n Importance of practical criteria l i. e. , 50% decline in arson behavior? ~ n