APPLICATION AND EVALUATION OF LEARNING THEORIES IN BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION

Question 1

Define Behaviour Modification

Answer 1

Is the use of conditioning techniques to alter human behaviour & thoughts.

Question 2

Systematic desensitisation is used for what

Answer 2

Treatment for Phobias

Question 3

How does Systematic desensitisation occur

Answer 3

Uses classical conditioning techniques to reduce fears and phobias whereby the fear is replaced with relaxation techniques that will result in a more appropriate response.

Question 4

What is a phobia

Answer 4

A phobia is an Anxiety disorder involving extreme, irrational and persistent fear of an object/ situation out of proportion with the actual level of threat posed.

Question 5

Give some examples of a phobias

Answer 5

-Arachnophobia: fear of spiders
-Acrophobia: fear of heights
-Claustrophobia: fear of tight spaces

Question 6

List the steps of facing a phobia & what is step 5 known as

Answer 6

Step 1: Find the extent of the fear
Step 2: Find the source of fear
Step 3: Create list of least to most fearful situations
Step 4: Relaxation techniques are taught and practiced
Step 5: Therapist gradually introduces the fears from least to most fearful and pairs them with relaxation techniques until they are comfortable to move to the next step on the list

Step 5 is known as graded exposure

Question 7

List the strengths and limitations of Systematic desensitisation

Answer 7

Strengths
-When paired with therapy and relaxation techniques, SD can be a great tool to conquer fears and phobias.
Criticisms
- Can take many months of regular therapy sessions to see results.

Question 8

What are token economies

Answer 8

Uses Operant Conditioning techniques by introducing “symbolic markers”, such as coloured counters, stickers, or fake money, as a currency to reward good behaviour.

Question 9

Strength & Con of token economies

Answer 9

• more effect than simple conditioning as simple can cause someone to be full and cease to respond to reinforcement.
• There is slow accumalation of tokens means that the secondary goal at an unsustainable rate

Question 9

Where do you see token economies being used

Answer 9

-Widely used in classrooms, psychiatric hospitals and prisons to alter undesirable behaviours.
-Loyalty programs: ie. Frequent flyer points, coffee cards
- Casino chips