In Operant Conditioning, There Are a Number of Types of Rein

question 20

Essay

In operant conditioning, there are a number of types of rein forcers and punishment that can be used to either increase or decrease behavior. Alexander's mother is trying to change his behavior in terms of teaching him to be more responsible for his fish. Alexander likes to spend all of his time playing video games, but his mother is trying to reduce the number of hours he spends playing video games and increase the number of times that he cleans his fishbowl. Currently, he is given a timeout everyday when he does not clean his fishbowl. Give an example of how his mother could attempt to change Alexander's behavior using; negative reinforcement, positive reinforcement, negative punishment, and punishment.

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Definitions:

Cognitive-behavioral Perspective

A therapeutic approach that focuses on changing maladaptive thinking patterns, beliefs, and behaviors in order to affect positive changes in mood and functioning.

Panic Disorder

An anxiety disorder marked by recurrent and unpredictable panic attacks.

Relaxation Training

A treatment procedure that teaches clients to relax at will so they can calm themselves in stressful situations.

Fear Hierarchy

A list of objects or situations that frighten a person, starting with those that are slightly feared and ending with those that are feared greatly; used in systematic desensitization.