BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION ASSIGNMENT 10% OF GRADE DUE

Your assignment is to type a behavioral modification plan based on the principles you have been exposed to in the Learning (Behaviorism) section.

To do a good job, you will probably need at least 1.5-2 pages double spaced. Pick one of the three following scenarios and use the following questions to build your behavioral modification plan.

Be sure to be very specific and explain your plan in enough detail so that I could try your plan if I so chose. You do not have to actually use your plan although some of you will be motivated to try it on your own.

The paper will be graded on how well the plan is developed, if the plan is reasonable and workable, and how well the plan follows the requirements listed below.

Scenario:

1. Develop a plan designed to change a child's negative behavior.

For the scenario, please make your plan age appropriate.

For older subjects, you may want to use behavior modification techniques to change thinking patterns as well as behavior patterns.

Questions that are to be answered in your plan:

1. What is the specific behavior(s) you are seeking to change? Be very specific on what the behavior is and how often it occurs.

2. What are the events (antecedent conditions) that may be triggering this negative behavior(s)?

3. How will you measure if the plan has been successful? Be specific.

4. How long will it take for you to change this behavior? Will the change be sudden or a gradual change?

5. What specific reinforcers will you use? Why did you pick them? Will they change over time?

6. What schedule of reinforcement will you be using (continuous, one of the four partial reinforcement schedules, token economy)?

7. Will you be using punishment? Why or why not?

8. Is there a positive behavior that can be used to replace the negative behavior? For example, chewing gum instead of smoking.

9. Are there any other environmental modifications that you will be using (removing things, timeouts, etc.?) If so, please explain

Please do not choose to eliminate thumb sucking, smoking or nail biting, or panic attacks in your plans.