Behavior Modification
Behavioral modification is the process of changing a behavior based on principles of operant conditioning. A target behavior can be changed through reinforcement or punishment. Behavior modification can be used to decrease behaviors, such as running in the road, or increase behaviors, like holding someone’s hand. The current project attempted to modify the dangerous behavior of running in the road using a schedule of reinforcement called differential reinforcement for an incompatible behavior. The child was reinforced for holding hands, which is incompatible with running in the road. This new behavior was formed by reinforcing closer approximations of the wanted behavior until the desired behavior was performed.
PSY 330, Psychology of Learning
Nani Skaggs
Banquet Room
1:00 – 3:00 PM