Behavior Modification

Behavior Intervention 1

RUNNING HEAD: Behavior Intervention

Behavioral intervention of a

schoolboy displaying low on-task behavior

in his classroom

Monique Douglas

Edith Cowan University

Behavior Intervention 2

Abstract

The on-task behavior of a schoolboy aged 11 named Alan was monitored over an

intervention period of 39 days. This period consisted of observation, intervention and

follow-up segments. Target behaviors were defined. These behaviors were then

isolated during the intervention to extricate the functional association of antecedents

and consequences. Previous studies from the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis

were referred to for the structure of the intervention model. The theories of

reinforcement and punishment were applied to gain desired behavior and clear target behavior. Verbal positive reinforcement and positive punishment was used, maintaining a firm consistency throughout the intervening period. To achieve the best result a tightly controlled environment was created to limit any possible distractions. Results obtained during the follow-up period indicated a substantial success for the intervention program.

Behavior Intervention 3

Behavioral intervention of a schoolboy displaying low on-task

behavior in his classroom

Behavior assessments are important applications for gaining insight into the motivation of individuals. By conducting these assessments, target behaviors can be defined. After defining these behaviors, functional relationships can be identified. This links the target behavior with antecedents and consequences. Once recognized these antecedents and consequences can be manipulated to influence the target behavior (Ebanks & Fisher, 2003). These behavior assessments work as the foundation for behavior modification therapy.

Antecedents consist of any events that occur immediately before the target behavior manifests. By manipulating the antecedent it is possible to cause the target behavior to become extinct. Similarly the consequences that occur immediately after the target behavior can also be controlled to eliminate the behavior. The combined manipulation of both functional relationships provides the best chance for success (Mueller, Sterling-Turner and Scattone, 2001).

Observation is an essential part of behavior modification therapy. This is because of the need to be able to recognize the need to change a behavior and distinguish the antecedents and consequences. All three factors are observable and should be monitored closely to identify the relationship and effect they have on each other. Once these relationships have been identified, behavior therapy can be employed to extinguish undesired behavior replacing it with more appropriate behavior.

To correctly observe and assess an individual for an intervention program a measuring process should be designed for the purpose of evaluating their behavior.

Behavior Intervention 4

This measurement process should specify observable actions that the individual indulges in to display their mood. The number of times the action or actions are performed acts as a clear indication of the presence of the target behavior. To limit any variation within collected data, specific times and settings should be tightly controlled when conducting the observations.

This observational period acts as the first stage in the general process of any kind of behavior modification therapy. Once observed, the behavior is then identified, targeted and then stopped. Ideally while the inappropriate behavior is being stopped, another desired behavior is being identified, developed, strengthened and maintained.

Various techniques can be engaged to obtain this outcome. To strengthen positive behavior both positive and negative reinforcement can prove useful. Positive reinforcement relies on rewards that encourage positive behavior. Negative reinforcement strengthens positive behavior through the avoidance of a potential negative condition as a consequence of behavior. Extinction and punishment are other types of reinforcers that discourage negative behavior. Extinction weakens specific behavior by the consequence of that behavior not resulting in a positive outcome or failing to stop a negative condition. Punishment simply discourages inappropriate behavior by creating negative conditions in response to that behavior.

Particular techniques should be selected that are suitable for the intervention. Once implemented, the technique should be consistently maintained until the behavior has been successfully reinforced.

In recent years behavior modification strategies have been employed by people working within educational systems to treat students displaying unruly

Behavior Intervention 5

behavior (Romaniuk, Miltenberger, Conyers, Jenner, Jurgens and Ringenberg, 2002). The reasoning behind this desire to treat the behavior stems from the motivation to give the student the best possible skills to deal with their academic and social futures.

This report focuses on a specific student intervention of a boy named Allan aged 11 attending a public school in Perth, Western Australia. His schoolwork during class was of a low standard due to his poor level of on-task behavior. Prone to fidgeting, daydreaming and doodling on papers, Allan concentrated very little on his teacher and assigned activities. The investigation into his low level on-task behavior occurred over a thirty-nine day period consisting of a baseline