Topic 1: Introduction to Behavior Modification Flashcards
Behavior
the subject matter of behavior modification
behavior is what a person says or does, it involves a person’s actions
Dimensions
an aspect of the behavior that can be measured and modified
relevant dimensions may include frequency, duration, intensity, and latency
Frequency
a dimension of behavior, specifically the number of times a behavior occurs in a specific time period
the number of responses (frequency) divided by the time equals the rate of behavior
Duration
a dimension of behavior, specifically the time from the onset of the behavior to the offset of the behavior
duration is how long an instance of behavior lasts
Intensity
a dimension of behavior, specifically the physical force or magnitude of the behavior
often measured with a recording instrument or on a rating scale
Latency
a dimension of behavior, specifically the time from some stimulus to the onset of behavior
Overt Behavior
behavior that can be observed and recorded by a person other than the one engaging in the behavior
Covert Behaviors
behavior that is not observable to others, also called private events
What are the characteristics of behavior?
behavior is what people do and say
behaviors have dimensions
behaviors can be observed, described, and recorded
behaviors have an impact on the environment
behavior is lawful
behaviors may be overt or covert
Behavior Modification
the field of psychology concerned with analyzing and modifying human behavior (also called applied behavior analysis)
Target Behavior
in behavior modification, the behavior to be modified
Behavioral Excess
an undesirable target behavior that a person seeks to decrease in frequency, duration, or intensity
Behavioral Deficit
a desirable target behavior that a person seeks to increase in frequency, duration, or intensity
Behaviorism
the philosophy of the science of behavior
the core tenants are that behavior is lawful and controlled by environmental events occurring in close temporal relation to the behavior
Experimental Analysis of Behavior
the scientific study of behavior and the types of environmental events that are functionally related to the occurrence of behavior
involves laboratory research with nonhumans and humans
Applied Behavioral Analysis
a term often used interchangeably with the term behavior modification
it involves analyzing and modifying human behavior
Controlling Variables
the environmental factors (antecedents and consequences) that influence the probability of a particular behavior
they are the consequences that are functionally related to the behavior
What are the characteristics of behavior modification as listed in the textbook?
focus on behavior
guided by the theory and philosophy of behaviorism
based on behavioral principles
emphasis on current environmental events
precise description of procedures
implemented by people in everyday life
measurement of behavior change
de-emphasis on past events as causes of behavior
rejection of hypothetical underlying causes of behavior
Law of Effect
states that a behavior that produces a favorable effect on the environment will be more likely to be repeated in the future
What is overt behavior?
objectively measurable
verbal (using language), or motor (using the body)