Identify some possible controlling antecedents (triggers) for your target response.

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).