Behavior Modification Chapter 1 Quiz & Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is behavior, generally and technically? Give three synonyms.

Behavior: Technically: The muscular, glandular, or electrical activity of an organism. Generally: Anything a person says or does. Synonyms: action, performance, activity.

Describe two dimensions of behavior. Give an example of each.

Two dimensions of behavior are duration and frequency. Example of duration: Genevieve ran for 45 minutes. Example of frequency: Claire did five downward facing dogs during her 60-minute yoga session.

What is a behavioral deficit? Give two examples not in the chapter.

A behavioral deficit is too little behavior of a particular type. Examples: not looking others in the eye and not cleaning up after oneself.

What is behavioral excess? Give two examples not in the chapter.

A behavioral excess is too much behavior of a particular type. Examples: constantly sleeping in every morning and swearing too much. Signup and view all the answers

Define behavior modification.

Behavior modification involves the systematic application of learning principles and techniques to assess and improve individuals' covert and overt behaviors to enhance their daily functioning. Signup and view all the answers

State seven defining characteristics of behavior modification.

<ol> <li>Emphasis on defining problems in measurable terms. 2. Treatment procedures alter the current environment. 3. Methods and rationales can be described precisely. 4. Techniques are applicable in everyday life. 5. Techniques stem from research in learning sciences. 6. Emphasizes scientific demonstration of treatment effectiveness. 7. High value on accountability.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

Define behavioral assessment.

Behavioral assessment involves the collection and analysis of information and data to identify and describe target behaviors, identify possible causes, guide treatment selection, and evaluate treatment outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe Skinner's early influence on behavior modification.

B.F. Skinner distinguished between Pavlovian conditioning and operant conditioning. He demonstrated how basic learning principles could influence behavior, which practitioners later applied as behavior modification. Signup and view all the answers

List four myths or misconceptions about behavior modification.

<ol> <li>Behavior modification involves the use of drugs and electroconvulsive behavior. 2. Use of rewards is bribery. 3. It is outdated. 4. Behavior modifiers deny genetics or heredity's importance.</li> </ol> Signup and view all the answers

What is key to ensuring ethical and effective treatment programs by applied behavior analysts/behavior therapists?

The monitoring of data by concerned parties and clients. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Behavior

Behavior encompasses any action or statement made by an individual, both in a general sense and in a technical context.
Technical definition includes muscular, glandular, or electrical activity of an organism.
Synonyms: action, performance, activity.

Dimensions of Behavior

Duration: Refers to the length of time a behavior occurs (e.g., running for 45 minutes).
Frequency: Indicates the number of times a behavior happens in a specified timeframe (e.g., performing five downward facing dogs in a 60-minute session).

Behavioral Deficits

Defined as insufficient behavior of a specific type.
Examples include:
- Avoiding eye contact.
- Failing to clean up personal messes.

Behavioral Excesses

Defined as excessive behavior of a specific type.
Examples include:
- Consistently sleeping in excessively.
- Using profanity frequently.