Description
Step-by-Step Instructions
STEP 1: Read the sections on Operant conditioning in Chapter 6 on Learning in the Weiten &
McCann
textbook.
STEP 2: Read the Achieving Self-Control through Behaviour Modification section in Chapter 6 on
Learning (pages 231-233 in the newest version of the textbook).
STEP 3: Choose a behaviour that you would personally like to increase or decrease, making sure
that this target behaviour is clearly defined, overt, and measurable.
Some examples of possible behaviours for the project include:
• Decreasing coffee, pop, or alcohol consumption
• Increasing the amount of time spent studying (for psychology, of course)
• Decreasing nail biting or hair twirling
• Decreasing the amount of time spent watching TV/Netflix
• Increasing the amount of exercise you engage in
Decreasing your hate for your neighbour’s cat, which scratches on the wall at 2:00 a.m.
Increasing your tolerance for the cold weather in Toronto (even when it feels colder than
planet Mars).
STEP 4: Identify some possible controlling antecedents (triggers) for your target response.
You’re not being asked to collect baseline data here as the textbook discusses. I want you to
think about what events typically precede your target response. For example, if your target
behaviour is your Tim Horton’s iced cappuccino consumption, your antecedent or trigger might
be walking past Tim Horton’s on your way to your lecture, as it always precedes or triggers you
to purchase an iced cappuccino.
STEP 5: Create a rough plan for your self-modification program. In order to increase a response,
you must select a reinforcer that is right for you and then decide how you will deliver it (e.g.,
what is the reinforcer and when will it be given, etc.?). On the other hand, if you want to
decrease a response, you need to take a different approach (e.g., Will you provide yourself with
reinforcement for NOT emitting the behaviour, or for not emitting the behaviour so frequently?
Will you use a form of punishment?). The plan is up to you, but you must clearly justify your
choices. I’m looking to see some thoughtful design that is in line with the textbook (particularly
pages 232-233).