Behavior Modification

This paper examines two methods of behavior modification, PBS and self modeling, and concludes that self modeling is more useful, because the change in behavior becomes apparent more quickly. More research is needed in the field, however. (5.5 pages; 3 sources; APA citation style)

I Introduction

The term “behavior modification” refers to the process of changing someone’s behavior from undesirable to desirable. It’s usually thought of in connection with disruptive students, but it can be used for many things; for example, enhancing weight loss by eliminating behaviors that lead to overeating.

This paper looks at two journal articles that describe two different types of behavior modification: positive behavior support and self-modeling. It also references a third article that introduces the concept in a general way and gives us some background. Although behavior modification is appropriate in many settings, I’ll concentrate on the classroom, or else the topic becomes far too large.

II Behavior Modification – Overview

Duhaney suggests that the first thing to do when dealing with a disruptive student is to determine why the student is engaging in the inappropriate behavior. One tool to help discover the reason is a “Functional Behavioral Assessment” or FBA:

“…a functional behavioral assessment … is a person-centered, problem-solving process that involves collecting data to measure student behavior; determining why a student engages in a particular behavior; and identifying the instructional, social, affective, environmental, and contextual variables that appear to lead to and maintain the behavior.” (Duhaney, 2003, PG).

Once the cause of the behavior is known, the most effective approach to modifying the behavior can be decided. Although Duhaney’s article speaks mainly about intervention in the cases of students with ADD, it is logical to assume that the first step to modifying inappropriate behavior in any setting is to find out the reasons behind it....