Chapter 17

Question 1

Positive Reinforcement

Answer 1

When the reinforcing stimulus increases the probability that the behavior will recur

Question 2

Negative Reinforcement

Answer 2

increases the probability that a behavior will recur by removal of an undesirable reinforcing stimulus

Question 3

Behavior Therapy

Answer 3

A form of psychotherapy that aims to modify maladaptive behavior patterns by reinforcing more adaptive behaviors.

Question 4

Modeling

Answer 4

refers to the learning of new behaviors by imitating the behavior in others. Role models are individuals who have qualities or skills that a person admires and wishes to imitate.

Question 5

Shaping

Answer 5

the behavior of another, reinforcements are given for increasingly closer approximations to the desired response. For example, in eliciting speech from an autistic child, the teacher may first reward the child for (1) watching the teacher’s lips, then (2) making any sound in imitation of the teacher, then (3) forming sounds similar to the word uttered by the teacher. Shaping has been shown to be an effective way of modifying behavior for tasks that a child has not mastered on command or are not in the child’s repertoire

Question 6

Aversive stimulus

Answer 6

A stimulus that follows a behavioral response and decreases the probability that the behavior will recur

Question 7

Premack Principle

Answer 7

applied by allowing R1 to occur only after R2 has been performed. That is, to encourage more of a particular behavior that an individual is not doing very often, a situation is created in which the person must perform that behavior before being permitted to do the “fun stuff” that he or she prefers to do. The person’s preferred behavior becomes a reinforcement for accomplishing the desired behavior change. For example, 13-year-old Jennie has been neglecting her homework for the past few weeks. She spends a lot of time on her cell phone talking to her friends. Applying the Premack principle, being allowed to talk on the cell phone to her friends could serve as a positive reinforcement for completing her homework

Question 8

Extinction

Answer 8

gradual decrease in frequency or disappearance of a response when the positive reinforcement is withheld. A classic example of this technique is its use with children who have temper tantrums. The tantrum behaviors continue as long as the parent gives attention to them but decrease and often disappear when the parent simply walks away from the child and ignores the behavior.

Question 9

Contingency Contracting

Answer 9

a contract is drawn up among all parties involved. The desired behavior change and specified reinforcers for performing this behavior are stated explicitly in writing. The negative consequences, or punishers, that will be rendered for not fulfilling the terms of the contract are also delineated. The contract is specific about how reinforcers and punishment will be presented; however, flexibility is important so that renegotiations can occur if necessary.

Question 10

Token Economy

Answer 10

type of contingency contracting in which the reinforcers for desired behaviors are presented in the form of tokens. Essential to this technique is the prior determination of items and situations of significance to the client that can be employed as reinforcements. With this therapy, tokens are awarded when desired behaviors are performed and may be exchanged for designated privileges.

Question 11

Time-Out

Answer 11

is an aversive stimulus or punishment during which the client is removed from the environment where the unacceptable behavior is being exhibited. The client is usually isolated so that reinforcement from the attention of others is absent.

Question 12

Reciprocal Inhibition

Answer 12

decreases or eliminates a behavior by introducing a more adaptive behavior, but one that is incompatible with the unacceptable behavior

Question 13

Overt sensitization

Answer 13

type of aversion therapy that relies on the individual’s imagined unpleasant symptoms or negative consequences.

Question 14

Systematic Desensitization

Answer 14

1. Discuss riding an elevator with the therapist.
2. Look at a picture of an elevator.
3. Walk into the lobby of a building and see the elevators.
4. Push the button for the elevator.
5. Walk into an elevator with a trusted person; disembark before the doors close.
6. Walk into an elevator with a trusted person. Allow doors to close, then open the doors and walk out.
7. Ride one floor with a trusted person, then walk back down the stairs.
8. Ride one floor with a trusted person and ride the elevator back down.
9. Ride the elevator alone.

Question 15

Flooding

Answer 15

the individual is “flooded” with a continuous presentation (through mental imagery) of the phobic stimulus until it no longer elicits anxiety