Behavior Modification
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this presentation the learner will
be able to:
1- Define behaviour modification.
2- Discuss the characteristics of behavior
modification.
3- Discuss Misconceptions about Behavior
Modification.
4- Outline the areas of application.
What is Behavior Modification?
• General Definition: Systematic
application of learning principles
and techniques to assess and
improve individuals behaviors in
order to help them function more
fully in society.
Characteristics of Behavior
Modification
• Emphasized defining and measuring
behavior.
• Treatment focuses greatly on the
environment.
• Methods and rationales can be
described precisely.
Characteristics of Behavior
Modification
• Techniques are often applied by individuals in
everyday life.
- Applied not theoretical.
• Most techniques are based on research on
learning.
• Emphasizes scientific method.
• Accountability is placed on everyone involved.
Behavioral Assessment
Definition: Collection and analysis of data
to:
a) Identify and describe behaviour.
b) Identify possible causes of the behaviour.
c) Guide the selection of appropriate
behavioural treatment.
d) Evaluate treatment outcome.
Misconceptions about Behavior
Modification
1. Rewards and reinforcement are nothing
more than bribes.
2. It is drugs, psychosurgery, ECT.
3. It only changes symptoms not underlying
problems.
Misconceptions about Behavior
Modification
4. Can be applied to simple, but not
complex problems.
5. Behavior analysts are cold non-
empathetic people.
6. Behavior modifiers deal only with
observable behaviour.
7. Behavior modification is outdated.
Areas of Application
Parenting and child
management
Education: From preschool
to University
BEHAVIOR PRINCIPLES
• Antecedents: Prior events or stimuli
before the problem behaviour.
• Behavior: An observable action.
• Consequences: Actions taken after a
behaviour problem occurs to help
maintain, increase or decrease the
behaviour.
EXAMPLES OF : Antecedents, Behavior &
Consequences
• Antecedents: A student gets physically abused at home.
• A student is bullied at the bus stop.
• A student has an argument with a peer at school.
• Behavior: The same student then gets in a fight on the
school bus.
• The same student is verbally abusive to others.
• The same student is bullying other students on the bus.
• Consequences: Depending on the severity of the actions the
student may receive a bus referral, in-school suspension, a
bus suspension, out-of-school suspension, a seat change or
counseling.
Positive Reinforcement
Definition
• Positive Reinforce: stimulus or
event that when presented
immediately following a
behavior causes the behavior
to increase in frequency.
Negative reinforcement
Escape & Avoidance
Negative Reinforcement
• Immediate removal (escape) or
prevention (avoidance) of an aversive
stimulus contingent upon a behaviour
that increases the probability of that
behaviour in the future.
• Remember: Reinforcement of any kind
increases behaviour!
Punishment
Punishment
The process of reducing behaviour by
immediately presenting an aversive
condition (or removing a reinforcer) is
contingent upon a response that results
in a decrease in the frequency of that
response.
Punishment always decreases behaviour!
When should punishment be used?
• The person’s behaviour should be a
danger to himself or others.
• Use only after trying reinforcing
procedures
• Informed Consent.
• Do not use punishment as a means
to show superiority.
Thank you