Behavior Modification Therapy

by Saul McLeod published 2010

Behavior modification is a set of therapies / techniques based on operant conditioning, i.e. the reinforcement of desired behaviors and ignoring or punishing undesired ones. This is not as simple as it sounds — always reinforcing desired behavior, for example, is basically bribery.

Behavior modification therapy is much used in clinical and educational psychology, particularly with people with learning difficulties.  In the conventional learning situation it applies largely to issues of class- and student management, rather than to learning content. It is very relevant to shaping skill performance, however.  It applies at the micro-level: student feedback of high marks for good work is only behavior modification in the broadest and weakest sense, whereas attention and praise at the second-by-second level are much more likely to follow its principles.

A simple way of giving positive reinforcement in behavior modification is in providing compliments, approval, encouragement, and affirmation; a ratio of five compliments for every one complaint is generally seen as being the most effective in altering behavior in a desired manner.  Examples of behavior modification therapy include token economy and behavior shaping