- Last edited on February 15, 2021
Behavioural Modification
Primer
Behavioural Modification is a therapeutic and treatment approach designed to change a undesirable negative behaviour. By using a system of positive or negative consequences, an individual learns the correct set of responses for any given stimulus.
Classical Conditioning
Classical Conditioning is a type of learning where a natural. involuntary response (e.g. - salivation) is elicited by a conditioned (or sometimes called learned) stimulus (e.g. - a bell) that previously was presented in conjunction with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g. - food). The classic example is of Pavlov conditioning his dogs to salivate upon hearing a bell ringing. Typically, classical conditioning elicits involuntary responses.
Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning is a type of learning where a specific action is elicited because it produces a punishment or reward. Operant conditioning was first described by behavioural scientist B.F. Skinner. In contrast to classical conditioning, operant conditioning usually elicits voluntary responses.
Summary
Skinner Operant Conditioning
Increase behavior | Decrease behavior | |
---|---|---|
Add stimulus | Positive reinforcement | Positive punishment |
Take away stimulus | Negative reinforcement | Negative punishment |
Reinforcement
Always remember: the goal of reinforcement is to cause an increase in a behaviour (e.g. - you want a child to do more dishes).
Reinforcement
Action | Reinforcement | |
---|---|---|
Positive Reinforcement | Child does dishes | You encourage/praise the child (positive stimulus) |
Negative Reinforcement | Child does dishes to avoid nagging by mother | Mother's nagging goes away (takes away an adverse/negative stimulus) |
Punishment
Always remember: the goal of punishment is to cause a decrease in a behaviour (e.g. - you want a child to stop bullying others).
Punishment
Action | Negative Punishment | |
---|---|---|
Positive Punishment | Child bullies another child | You reprimand the child (negative stimulus) |
Negative Punishment | Child bullies another child | You take away the child's toy (reinforcing stimulus removed) |
Extinction
Extinction is the discontinuation of reinforcement (either positive or negative), which eventually eliminates a behaviour. This can occur in both operant or classical conditioning.