Applying Behavior Modification
Scenario 1
Behavior modification uses a series of positive and negative reinforcers to shape a childs behavior. In the case of Stuart, his teacher has been unconsciously positively reinforcing the undesirable behavior of crying and whining by comforting him when he comes to her for attention. Instead, she should negatively punish this behavior by withdrawing rather than offering her attention and ignoring his crying. Negative punishment is taking away favorable consequences to reduce unwanted behavior (Scott, Jain, & Cogburn 2025, par.4). The teacher can encourage Stuarts positive behaviors through positive reinforcement; for example, when he plays quietly with his friends, she can tell him he is being a good boy, or offering praise and attention for exhibiting the desired behavior.
Negative reinforcement involves removing a negative stimulus to encourage the behavior. For example, if Stuart was being punished for his whining with being forced to sit in a corner, withdrawing the punishment would be an example of negative reinforcement (Scott, Jain, & Cogburn 2025). But from the description offered, it sounds like the teacher has not been punishing the crying or...
Given Stuarts age, using negative punishment such as yelling or time outs would not be the most...
…occasional reinforcement schedule. A schedule of occasional reinforcement is also more reasonable to enforce by someone outside the
classroom, since most teachers would find it odd to only call on one
student first.
Additionally, Claire needs to be concerned about the effects of her behavior upon other students in the classroom. When other students see Sarah being consistently called on first, they may feel less inclined to participate or come to resent Sarah. A more appropriate occasional reinforcement pattern would be less apt to be noticed by the other students as well as make Sarah less directly reliant upon the teacher for propping up her confidence and…
