Chapter 1 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is behavior, generally and technically? Give three synonyms for behaviour
a. Generally: Behaviour is anything that a person says or does
b. Technically: Behaviour is any muscular, glandular, or electrical activity of an organism.
c. Three synonyms of behavior: “action” “response” “reaction”;
What is a behavioral deficit? Give two examples that are not in this chapter.
a. Behavioural deficit: Too little behavior of a particular type
b. Examples:
i. Not eating enough vegetables/ unhealthy diet
ii. Physical inactivity;
What is a behavioral excess? Give two examples that are not in this chapter.
a. Behavioural Excess: To much behaviour of a particular type
b. Examples:
i. Constant apologizing even when the person has done nothing wrong
ii. A person eats to much to cope with feelings;
Define behavior modification.
a. Behaviour modification: Involves the systematic application of learning principles and techniques to access and improve the overt and covert behavior of individuals in order to enhance their daily functioning.;
List seven defining characteristics of behavior modification.
1) Strong emphasis on defining problems in terms of behaviour that can be measured in some way and using changes in the behavioral measure of the problem as the best indicator of the extent to which the problem is being helped
2) It’s treatment procedures and techniques are ways of altering an individuals current environment- i.e, the individuals immediate physical surroundings- to help that individual function more fully.
3) It’s methods and rationales can be described precisely
4) The techniques of behavior modification are often applied by individuals in everyday life
5) The techniques stem from basic and applied research in the science of learning
6) Emphasizes scientific demonstration that a particular intervention or treatment was responsible for a particular behavior change
7) Places high value on accountability for everyone involved in behaviour modification programs: client, staff, admin, consultants, and so on
Define behavioral assessment.
○ Behavioural assessment: Involves the collection and analysis of information and data in order to (a) identify and describe target behaviours; (b) identify possible causes of behaviour; ( c) guide the selection of an appropriate behavioral treatment; and (d) evaluate treatment outcome
Briefly describe B.F. Skinner’s early influence on behavior modification.
○ B.F Skinners distinguished between Pavlovian conditioning and operant conditioning. His Interpretation of how basic learning principles could influence the behavior of people in all kinds of situations. These ideas influenced many behavioural practitioners which led to application of helping individuals overcome stuttering, eliminating excessive regurgitation by a child with intellectual disabilities, and teaching a child with autism spectrum disorder to wear his prescription glasses
List four myths or misconceptions about behavior modification.
1) Use of rewards by behavior modifiers to change behavior is bribery
2) Behaviour modification treats symptoms; it doesn’t get at the underlying problems
3) Behaviour modification can deal with simple problems, such as teaching toileting or overcoming fear of heights, but it is not applicable for complex problems such as low self-esteem or depression
4) Behaviour modifiers deny the importance of genetics or heredity in determining behavior
What is key to ensuring ethical and effective treatment programs by applied behavior analysts and behavior therapists?
○ It is key that Behaviour therapists receive appropriate academic training to ensure competence in assessing behaviors, designing and implementing treatment programs, and evaluating results
