We learned about one technique that can be used to change behavior- operant cond

Question

We learned about one technique that can be used to change behavior- operant conditioning. Using reinforcers, you can make a behavior or response more likely to occur. Let's look at an example.

Traffic! The problem of traffic gridlock in American cities continues to increase. Attempts to encourage people to share a ride or take the bus have not been very successful. Operant conditioning could be used to reduce the traffic congestion in the city. For example, you could randomly select cars that have three or more passengers and give each person in the selected car $100. In this case, the money is an example of a positive reinforcer. It would hopefully cause more people to carpool which is your desired response.

Can you apply what you have learned to your own life? Think about a behavior you would like to increase or decrease in yourself or another person. This could be to quit smoking, stop eating candy, or to exercise more often. What could you do to make this desired response more likely? Would you use a positive or negative reinforcer? Would you use a punishment? Be creative!

Include the following in your assignment:

What is the behavior (response) you would like to increase or decrease? Describe this in detail.

What is your behavior modification plan? In other words, how will you get the behavior to increase or decrease? How would you reinforce it?

What type of reinforcer did you use?

What will be your reinforcement schedule?

If you tried your plan, how did it go? Did it work?

Explanation / Answer

1.      My father wants my younger brother to complete his homework and assignments on time as he comes home late and just sleep or if he comes early he would sit in front of the TV, play videogames or fiddle with his mobile.

2.      There are two ways my father could control this behaviour. Firstly, by rewarding him every time he complies, weekly rewards and monthly rewards. Secondly, if he doesn’t comply, cancel his benefits such as pocket money, mobile phone etc.

3.      He used both positive reinforcer and negative reinforce. He told him that he would give my brother more pocket money every week if he completes his homework and assignments. He also told him that if my brother doesn’t comply, he would cancel his pocket money.

4.      He set two schedules, one weekly positive reinforcement or negative reinforcement and two, a monthly positive reinforcement and a negative reinforcement.

5.      My father tried the plan and my brother was very cooperative and now, he has internalized the behaviour and now-a-days, even without my father telling him, he does things on his own because any behaviour will become a habit once it is continuously done for 45 days.

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