Chapter 9: Problem 5

Devise a plan of behavior modification (such as teaching your dog not to bark indoors or stopping your friend from knuckle cracking by applying learning principles.

Short Answer

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A behavior modification plan for curbing undesired behaviors such as indoor dog barking or knuckle cracking would involve the application of learning principles such as reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and shaping. An effective plan would require understanding of the unwanted behavior, identifying the applicable learning principles, formulating the plan, implementing it, and evaluating its effectiveness.

Step by step solution

Understand the Unwanted Behavior

The problematic behavior that needs changing is identified - for instance, a dog barking indoors or a friend repeatedly cracking knuckles.

Identify the Principles of Learning to be Applied

Some fundamental learning principles include reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and shaping. The choice among these principles depends on the scenario at hand.

Formulate the Behavior Modification Plan

A plan is developed that applies the chosen principle(s). For instance, if a dog barks indoors, one could use positive reinforcement when the dog is silent and punish the dog when it barks, gradually shaping and strengthening the desired behavior. If a friend cracks knuckles, one could use extinction (stop giving attention when knuckles are cracked) or reinforcement (giving attention when the friend doesn't crack their knuckles).

Implement the Behavior Modification Plan

Put the plan into action. The effectiveness of the plan must be consistently assessed and adjustments made where necessary.

Evaluation of the Plan's Effectiveness

Observe whether the behavior is changing as desired. If not, alterations in the plan might be required; this may include modifying the type of reinforcement or punishment or its frequency of application.

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Devise a plan of behavior modification (such as teaching your dog not to bark indoors or stopping your friend from knuckle cracking by applying learning principles.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the Unwanted Behavior

Identify the Principles of Learning to be Applied

Formulate the Behavior Modification Plan

Implement the Behavior Modification Plan

Evaluation of the Plan's Effectiveness

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