AP Psych: Behavior Modification Program

In class, we have discussed (or will discuss) a number of methods for altering undesirable behavior or increasing desirable behavior. In this project, you will design and implement a self-modification program based on the principles of learning.

This project consists of five steps:
1. Choosing a behavior
2. Observing and recording a baseline of the behavior (4 days)
3. Designing a behavior modification program
4. Implementing the program
5. Writing a brief paper

You will turn in:
*a histogram (see below)
*a 2-page explanation of your program and its effectiveness


STEP 1: Choose a Behavior
Select a simple behavior of yours the frequency of which you would like to increase or decrease. Examples of behaviors worthy of increasing include picking up trash, petting the dog, or giving compliments. Behaviors such as punctuating sentences with “okay?” or “you know,” biting your nails, or watching TV should be decreased. I will only read ten Facebook-related papers this year; if you plan to decrease the amount of time you spend on FB, e-mail me first for my approval.


STEP 2: Observe and Record a Baseline
Before you can begin a behavior modification program, you must determine the normal rate of the behavior you want to change and the conditions under which it appears. This process is called establishing a baseline.

A baseline provides a control condition against which you can compare the effects of whatever training method you choose. It also provides information about the possible motivation and discriminative cues that control the behavior. This information is important when designing an effective program.

Typically, observation and recording are done by someone other than the subject, in part because observation of your own behavior can change the behavior and distort the baseline. For our purposes, self-observation is acceptable.

Establish your baseline by recording and charting your chose behavior for at least four days. Behaviors can be recorded by frequency or duration. Choose the method that seems appropriate for your chosen behavior. For example, if the behavior is the habit of saying “you know,” you will want to record how many times you say it in the course of conversation. If the behavior is TV watching, you will want to record in minutes or hours per day. You will also need to consider whether the behavior is particular to a situation or more generalized.

For the greatest reliability, you should record the behavior as it occurs, rather than store the data mentally until the end of the day. (Perhaps you could carry a pen and pad with you, or make a note in your cell phone.) Be sure to note the circumstances under which the behavior occurred.

Plot your baseline data on a histogram (bar graph) with “Day” on the x-axis and “Frequency (or Duration) of behavior” on the y-axis.


STEP 3: Design a Behavior Modification Program
Design a program to change our chosen behavior that incorporates the behavioral principles in this chapter. Think carefully about why you are choosing a particular method or methods, and not other methods.

STEP 4: Implement the Program
Implement the program over a 3-day period. Observe and chart any changes in your behavior. Plot this data on your histogram.

STEP 5: Write your Paper
Write a 2-page paper (12-point Times font, double-spaced) in which you do the following:

Describe the behavior under the baseline condition. Mention any discriminative stimuli you observed and types and/or schedules of reinforcement. Be sure to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts discussed in class.

Describe the training program that you designed. Explain how you altered the contingencies controlling the behavior. Make specific references to concepts of classical or operant conditioning (positive/negative reinforcement, schedules, conditioned stimulus, shaping, extinction) where appropriate. Be sure to demonstrate your ability to apply the concepts from the chapter.

Reflect on the effectiveness of your program. How well did it work? Why was it effective or ineffective? What changes might you make to your program?

Be concise. I will not read more than two pages.

Out of 75 points; due Thursday, November 12. (Section 2/1 take note: your class does not meet that day.)