- 01 Apr, 2021
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Behavior Modification project
For this assignment, you will apply the principles of operant conditioning to modify
an existing behavior. You will propose a program for changing a behavior and then
later, after implementing your program, report on its results.
The following steps are very important to the success of your assignment.
1. Identify a target behavior to be modified
2. Explanation for why the problem exists
3. Describe your program
4. Success of program
Step 1: Identify a target behavior to be modified
This can either an undesirable behavior that you would like to eliminate or a desirable behavior
that they would like to strengthen (e.g. study habits, sporting skills, health habits, or personal
interaction skills).
Examples of potential undesirable behaviors to eliminate include:
• Smoking cigarettes
• Eating junk food
• Watching too much TV
• Oversleeping
• Speeding/poor driving
• Increasing exercise or other health behaviors
Step 2: Explanation of why the problem exists
After identifying the target behavior, you will monitor your behavior and try to
generate a plausible explanation for why the problem exists. What is reinforcing the behavior?
You should also describe why you want to change the behavior and what benefits change will
bring.
Step 3: Design a behavior modification program
• Do you want to use reinforcement or punishment?
• What would you use as a reward? What could you use as a punishment?
• Explain how often you would use your rewards or punishments?
• How could you tell if this is effective?
EXAMPLE: My problem behavior is oversleeping (e.g. pressing the snooze button 3+ times
every morning). This causes me to be late almost every day to my 9am class. I want to change
this! So, every time I get up on time (e.g. Press the snooze button less than 2 times), I get
myself my favorite coffee (a reward). I am attempting to increase a positive behavior (e.g.
waking up on time).
Step 4: Describe your results
Lastly, to what degree was the program successful?
How often did this change your behavior?
Did your behavior modification stay consistent over time?
If it failed, propose (but do not carry out) an alternative plan that might be more successful in the
future.
Chart your success!
EXAMPLE:
GUIDELINES:
Your Paper will be 1 ½ – 2 pages, 12 pt. font, with 1 inch margins (APA style)
Please number each section you are discussing beginning with: #1 Identify a target
behavior to be modified
Make sure you are targeting and tracking a behavior for a minimum of 7 days.
Don’t just pick something easy and be done with this in a day. The purpose is
to practice changing a behavior, over time, using reinforcement.
You must include a graph/chart/table of your progress – or lack of progress! But
must show a graphic representation of your attempt, at least.