Question

Think of a behavior that you have that you would like to change. How could you use behavior modification, specifically positive reinforcement, to change your behavior? What is your positive reinforcer?

Short answer

To change a personal behavior one could identify a behavior they want to change, like increasing study time. They could then define a positive reinforcement, such as spending time on a favorite hobby. Then, a behavior modification process can be established where the behavior is followed by the positive reinforcement. In this example, every completed two-hour study session would be rewarded with half an hour of the hobby, strengthening the study habit progressively.

Step-by-step solution

Identify Behavioral Change

Identify a behavior that you would like to change. For instance, one could want to increase their study time for a specific subject.

Define Positive Reinforcer

Determine what type of positive reinforcement will motivate the change. This could be something that you find enjoyable or rewarding. For example, as a reward for increased study hours, one could indulge in a favorite hobby or treat themselves to something they like.

Design Behavior Modification Process

Establish a process where the behavior will be positively reinforced. This involves setting rules or cues that will trigger the behavior, following the behavior with the identified positive reinforcer, and maintaining this process until the behavior is improved or established. For instance, every time you successfully complete two hours of studying, you reward yourself by spending half an hour doing your favorite hobby. Consistently doing this will likely increase motivation to study and eventually form a habit.

Key concepts

Positive Reinforcement

When it comes to modifying our behavior, one of the most effective strategies is positive reinforcement. This technique involves the addition of a reinforcing stimulus following a desired behavior, which in turn increases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again in the future. It's a principle often used in various settings, from classrooms to animal training, and even self-improvement.

For example, if you wish to increase your study time for a particular subject, you can apply positive reinforcement by rewarding yourself with something pleasurable each time you hit a study goal. This reward could be half an hour of your favorite hobby after two focused study hours. What makes this reinforcement positive is that it involves adding something desirable that encourages the repetition of the study behavior.

Behavioral Change

Changing a behavior, especially one that's well-established, can be a challenge. To achieve behavioral change through behavior modification, you need to follow a systematic approach. It begins with clearly identifying the behavior that you want to alter, such as increasing your study hours. Next, you need to understand what drives your actions and develop a strategy to encourage the new desired behavior.

Consistency and Patience

Regularly applying the positive reinforcement after the desired action is key. It's also important to be patient with yourself as lasting change doesn't happen overnight. Over time, your brain will begin to associate the desired behavior with the positive outcome, facilitating a lasting behavioral change.

Positive Reinforcer

A positive reinforcer is any stimulus that, when presented after a response, strengthens the likelihood of that response occurring again. It's important to choose a reinforcer that is truly motivating and rewarding for the individual. The effectiveness of a positive reinforcer can vary widely from person to person. For some, a piece of chocolate might be a powerful motivator, whereas for others, it may be extra time to pursue a personal project or listening to music.

In the educational exercise example, you might decide that every successful study session is followed by a small reward such as watching an episode of a favorite TV series. This enjoyable activity creates a favorable association with studying, and in due course, helps establish it as a routine behavior, essentially altering your study habits in a positive way.