Objective 19
Describe the
application of the principles of instrumental conditioning to the therapeutic
situation (behavior modification). Compare and contrast classical and
instrumental conditioning.
Explanation:
Instrumental conditioning can be used in therapeutic situations to modify behaviors. If you want someone to change their behavior you can use instrumental conditioning. You would use a reinforcer to increase a good behavior or a punishment to stop a bad behavior. Critics of instrumental conditioning in a therapeutic setting say that people may become dependent on extrinsic rewards. There are many similarities and differences between classical and instrumental conditioning. Classical conditioning is where a person learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events. Through classical conditioning we respond automatically which is a respondent behavior. Instrumental conditioning is where a behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. Through instrumental conditioning we behave according to the environment which is operant behavior. They are both types of learning which is the process of acquiring new information or behaviors. They also both involve acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.
Instrumental conditioning can be used in therapeutic situations to modify behaviors. If you want someone to change their behavior you can use instrumental conditioning. You would use a reinforcer to increase a good behavior or a punishment to stop a bad behavior. Critics of instrumental conditioning in a therapeutic setting say that people may become dependent on extrinsic rewards. There are many similarities and differences between classical and instrumental conditioning. Classical conditioning is where a person learns to link two or more stimuli and anticipate events. Through classical conditioning we respond automatically which is a respondent behavior. Instrumental conditioning is where a behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. Through instrumental conditioning we behave according to the environment which is operant behavior. They are both types of learning which is the process of acquiring new information or behaviors. They also both involve acquisition, extinction, spontaneous recovery, generalization, and discrimination.
Example:
This chart compares and contrasts classical and instrumental conditioning. It does a good job of showing what my explanation said.
This chart compares and contrasts classical and instrumental conditioning. It does a good job of showing what my explanation said.
Example:
This website, http://psychology.about.com/od/typesofpsychotherapy/a/behavioral-therapy.htm, gives some more information on types of behavior therapy. It tells about behavior therapy based on operant conditioning. Some ways it can be used are token economies, contingency management, and modeling. In token economies clients earn tokens for good behavior and lose tokens for bad behavior. The tokens then can be exchanged for things like candy. Contingency management uses a contract between the client and the therapist that outlines the behavior change goals, reinforcements and rewards that will be given, and the penalties for failing to meet the demands of the agreement. Modeling involves learning through observation and modeling the behavior of others.
This website, http://psychology.about.com/od/typesofpsychotherapy/a/behavioral-therapy.htm, gives some more information on types of behavior therapy. It tells about behavior therapy based on operant conditioning. Some ways it can be used are token economies, contingency management, and modeling. In token economies clients earn tokens for good behavior and lose tokens for bad behavior. The tokens then can be exchanged for things like candy. Contingency management uses a contract between the client and the therapist that outlines the behavior change goals, reinforcements and rewards that will be given, and the penalties for failing to meet the demands of the agreement. Modeling involves learning through observation and modeling the behavior of others.