Behavioral Modification: Martin and Pear textbook

Behavior Modification:
Application of Techniques
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Behavior Modification:
Application of Techniques
Introduction
The exploration of the way by which the human mind operates is perhaps among the most significant developments in field of science, especially psychotherapy and psychiatry. Indeed, by analyzing the inner mechanisms of the person`s mind, modern science has come to better understand the manner through which a person`s history and upbringing can affect the way he develops. More importantly, by analyzing the way the mind works, a person`s behavior can be modified for the person`s healing and improvement.
Behavior modification involves the use of different techniques that have been scientifically analyzed and demonstrated, in order to decrease or increase the frequency of the behavior of an individual, or even groups. Behavior modification can both be positive. It can involve the negative reinforcement of a behavior through satiation, punishment, or even extinction. On the other end, behavior modification can also involve positive reinforcement of adaptive behaviors CITATION Ray11 \l 1033 (Miltenberger, 2011).
In relation, this paper will then look into behavior modification, and the application of its numerous techniques. This paper will first look into the different strategies employed for behavior modification, and then the application of the said techniques. More specifically, this paper will look into the application of the behavior modification technique of Conditioned Reinforcement, which is used primarily for developing and maintaining a behavior. This technique will be analyzed for its overall application. Finally, the strengths and advantages of the Conditioned Reinforcement technique will be explored, as well as its limitations and disadvantages.
Behavior Modification Techniques
Several behavior modification techniques have been developed over the years to assist the healthcare provider in helping the client towards their intended goals. Some of these techniques include intermittent reinforcement, extinction, stimulus discrimination and stimulus generalization, fading, shaping, and numerous others. However, what is significant to note in all of these techniques is that they have common characteristics and goals.
Martin and Pear (2011) discussed that behavior modification and its techniques should have the following seven characteristics. First, behavior modification and its techniques must place a strong emphasis on the accountability of every individual involved in the behavior modification program. Second, the techniques place a great weight on scientific evidences and demonstrations that they are indeed effective or responsible for a certain change in behavior. Third, the techniques are greatly founded on the concepts of learning precisely respondent conditioning and operant conditioning. Fourth, the techniques are frequently applied in the person`s daily life. Fifth, the rationales and methods of the techniques should be easily described in a precise manner. Sixth, the different behavior modification techniques are means of changing a person`s existing environment, to help the person function optimally. Finally, behavior modification techniques place a huge importance on defining problems in terms of behavior that can be evaluated or measured in specific ways.
These principles and characteristics will serve as the guide for analyzing the application of the technique of conditioned reinforcement. Still, before looking into the application of the said technique, a discussion of the different aspects and components of conditioned reinforcement will first be presented.
Conditioned Reinforcement
Conditioned reinforcement as a technique involves a process of intensifying the dimensions of behavior that are directly measurable, as part of delivery of a specific or intended stimulus shortly after the behavior has occurred. These measurable dimensions include latency, magnitude, and duration. Duration involves the length of the time the behavior is performed, while magnitude involves the strength or force by which the behavior was carried out. Also, latency involves the delay or gap between responses or the speed by which the behavior is performed again following a stimulus CITATION San01 \l 1033 (Sundel & Sundel, 2001).
In conditioned reinforcement, the term "reinforcer" is used to describe any event, object or happening that i...