behaviour modification (operant comditioning) Flashcards
what is behaviour modification
shaping behaviour using operant conditioning
what are the 2 ideas behind behaviour modification?
-extinguish undesirable behaviour (by removing the reinforcer)
-replace original behaviour with a desirable behaviour and reinforcer
what is shaping?
learned behaviours are gradually built up through a process of successive reinforcements for behaviours that are progressively closer to the desired behaviour
why did skinner develop the behaviour modification theory?
how does his system work?
To include the idea of behaviour shaping or what he referred to as the method of successive approximations’
-At the start of a behaviour shaping exercise, very general desired behaviours related to what you see are rewarded.
-Once this behaviour had been shown, the rewards become more selective so that only behaviours a little closer to the exact desired behaviour you wish to see are reinforced.
-This is a step by step process which gradual gets closer and closer to the desired behaviour change.
what are successive approximations?
rewarding behaviour for acting in a way that gets closer and closer to the desired behaviour
where has behaviour modification been used and how?
As a mode of therapy to treat ADHD, OCD and autism.
The target behaviour is identified and then rewards are given for behaviours that gradually get closer to the target.
Example:a therapist working with a child with autism might use rewards to reinforce good behaviour and gradually become more selective in the distribution of rewards to encourage specific or problematic behaviour for the child
how could skinners process be used to teach pet tricks?
explain the process using principles of operant conditioning and behaviour modification
Positive reinforcement: when the poet performs the desired behaviour (sitting, rolling over), you immediately reward them with something they enjoy such as treats or praise or getting to encourage them to repeat behaviour.
Shaping: to teach a dog to roll over you might start rewarding them for lying foes, then rolling slightly on their side, then doing a full role. Each step is reinforced to gradually shape them final desired behaviour.
These can also be used in tasks like potty training, teaching children to use words and brushing teeth.
what is an ethical issue if behaviour modification?
Behaviour modification techniques give therapists the power to determine the future behaviour of their clients.
This means that it is open to abuse, and allows therapists to condition a client into being in a way that he/ she considers normal. (although not everyone may agree)
Eg: wearing a suit or going to church.
how does superstition develop step by step?
Because a particular behaviour is accidentally reinforced after a random event, creating a false belief that the behaviour caused the outcome.
The behaviour is reinforced because it was accidentally followed by a certain outcome, even though the behaviour itself had no direct effect on the result.
The person repeats the behaviour in future situations, believing it increases/decreases the chances in a certain outcome, even though there is no real connection between the action and the outcome.
what is accidental reinforcement?
when a person engages in a certain behaviour before an even and experienced a positive outcome after.
mistakenly believes that the action caused the result
role of reinforcement in gambling
cunningham- what did he study?
He explored how intermittent reinforcement can influence human gambling behaviour.
He studied casino gamblers and found that winning sometimes, but not always plays a significant role in keeping them hooked.
Gamblers continue to play because they never know when they’ll win.
The unpredictability of rewards (like winning in a slot machine) makes the behaviour more persistent.
