Reference no: EM133670442
Homework: Psychology Behavior Modification
Students will be responsible for constructing a behaviour modification program in which you will modify/change some type of behaviour using the various theories discussed in class. You can design this program with animal or human subjects and need not worry about ethical guidelines as you WON'T be conducting the program. Alter the behaviour of your cat or boyfriend/ girlfriend. Be creative and have fun with the homework. Chances are if you enjoy creating and writing it I will enjoy reading it.
Basic Instructions:
Although this behavioral homework does not require any additional information from peer-reviewed publications or books you are required to include the information set out below and base it on what you have learned throughout the term, both in lecture and from the textbook.
I. The Problem/Behaviour: You will start with the description of the problem behaviour or the behaviour that you will be modifying. The description should include details of the behaviour, if it is problematic and what the problem actually is. You will also need to provide a description of the baseline occurrence of this behaviour and to what extent you would like to reduce the occurrence of the behaviour. This section should be one or two paragraphs.
II. Methods: Using information from class the textbook, identify and describe the methods you're using to modify the behaviour. You need to include the following three pieces of information in your methodology (as they apply). This section should be two to three paragraphs.
1. Classical and/or Operant Procedures: You will be using some of the procedures/ methods that we discussed in class (and that are described in the text). Make sure that you are documenting your procedures and using the terminology correctly. You will also need to ensure that your reinforcers or conditional and unconditional stimuli are powerful enough and appropriate for the situation.
2. Theoretical Models: You need to link your modification to at least one behaviourist theory discussed in class or in the textbook. For some modifications it will simply be classical or operant conditioning, but for other modifications there will be specific models that apply. For example, if you're doing a self-control program you will need to discuss the Ainsley-Rachlin model. If you're addressing choice behaviour, you will likely discuss Matching or Melioration theories.
3. Constraints: Every species and every individual has its limitations so you need to identify those constraints and explain how you will accommodate them in your program. For example, if you're dealing with a dog who eats your shoes you need to recognize that chewing behaviour is harder for some breeds to control.