behavior modification Project
Learning & Behavior, PSY 385
Spring 2007
Throughout the semester, we have been discussing principles of operant conditioning and more recently how they are applied in behavior modification. For this project, I want you to choose a behavior of your own (or a pet, etc.) that you would like to change. You will then design, institute, and evaluate a behavior modification program to change the behavior. You should identify the target behavior and how you intend to change it. I recommend that you try to establish or strengthen a desirable behavior as it is more straight forward and probably easier to accomplish. There will be three separate assignments (described below) with different due dates to be completed. Each assignment will be worth 20 points which is double that of your other writing assignments. This is because this project will require more work and writing than the other writing assignments. Each paper should be 3-4 pages in length not including ABC diaries and graphs (or any other data that you collect).
The Essay on Behavior Modification Project 2
Behavior modification using a pre- and post-intervention technique. Objective: To enhance students’ understanding of behavior modification and learning principles through application of those principles. Instructions to students: You will form groups of 5/6 people. You will decide on a particular behavior that you have observed around you (in the institute, classrooms, hostels, homes, or on the ...
I will grade the assignments using the same criteria used for the other writing assignments along with how well you used behavior modification techniques (including using the appropriate terminology) and the completeness of your supporting data. It will not be graded on how successful you are in changing the behavior. In the instructions for each assignment the steps in behavior modification that we talked about in class will be indicated in bold type. Although I will not tell you how to set up your behavior modification program, I am happy to act as a consultant if you have any questions during the process. All materials should be typed using a word processor (except ABC diaries which can be handwritten and legible).
Graphs should be made using a computer program such as MS Excel or a similar program.
Assignment 1. For this assignment you should identify a behavior you wish to modify and set goals for your treatment plan. This will include behavioral definitions (including identification of relevant chains of behavior), a functional analysis of the target behavior, objective measurement using a quantified measure of the target behavior, data collection (ABC diary) of baseline levels of behavior, and a description of the plan you intend to implement in order to change the behavior. The ABC diaries should include the date and time of day for each entry (remember you will be graded on how thoroughly you approach this project)
Assignment 2. In this assignment you will report on the implementation of the treatment plan, record the data collected (another ABC diary), and report on the progress of the behavior modification program. Your paper should also include your personal observations about how well you accomplished the steps in Assignment 1 and general observations about the progress of the treatment program. Any changes you make in the treatment program should be described and explained.
Assignment 3. The final assignment should be an evaluation of the effectiveness of your treatment program. This should include a functional analysis of the target behavior, including a graph that indicates baseline behavior during the first data collection phase as well as the data collected during the treatment phase and an overall assessment of the level of success of your program. You should include a discussion about the effectiveness of your behavioral definitions and other phases of the project and what changes you might make if you were to continue to attempt to change this behavior.
The Term Paper on Comprehensive Classroom Behavior Management Plan
The classroom is a dynamic environment wherein nothing is constant except change and the need to continually adapt. This environment affects both students and teachers; students are developing physically, cognitively, and emotionally. Teachers must respond to these changes in the students by adapting the environment, curriculum, instructional style and methods, and classroom management techniques. ...
