Ivar Lovas - Discrete Trial Training
INTRODUCTION:
The basis of behavior modification lies within learning theory (Lovaas & Bechner). Behavior modification is defined as the use of rewards or punishments to reduce or eliminate problematic behavior, or to teach an individual new responses to environmental stimuli. The goal of a behavior modification program is to change and adjust behavior that is inappropriate or considerable. There are many characteristics to behavior modification. The most important is “its strong emphasis on defining problems in terms of behavior that can be measured in some way, and using changes in the behavioral measure of the problem as the best indicator of the extent to which the problem is being helped”. (Martin & Pear, p6)
B.F. Skinners first book “The behavior of Organisms was published in 1938. This book was a landmark in the experiment of analysis of behavior. It presented Skinner’s novel and controversial research method, data and analysis of the behavior and conditioning of the male white rat. Through powerful experimental procedures he developed the theory of “Operant Conditioning”, the idea that we behave the way we do because this kind of behavior has had certain consequences in the past (Martin & Pear, p.388). In order for an organism to receive some type of reinforcement, the organism must behave in a specific manner and reinforcement is dependent on the organisms’ behavior. Skinner called attention to the type of conditioning in which reinforcement is associated with the response rather than with any stimulus providing the response. This includes three components, “First, a response must have some consequence. Second, the response must increase probability. Third is the increase in probability must occur because the response has this consequence”. (Kymiss & Poulson, 1990).
Professor Ivar Lovaas of UCLA, who is a well known autism expert, spent many years designing programs to help challenged children develop language, improve their play
The basis of behavior modification lies within learning theory (Lovaas & Bechner). Behavior modification is defined as the use of rewards or punishments to reduce or eliminate problematic behavior, or to teach an individual new responses to environmental stimuli. The goal of a behavior modification program is to change and adjust behavior that is inappropriate or considerable. There are many characteristics to behavior modification. The most important is “its strong emphasis on defining problems in terms of behavior that can be measured in some way, and using changes in the behavioral measure of the problem as the best indicator of the extent to which the problem is being helped”. (Martin & Pear, p6)
B.F. Skinners first book “The behavior of Organisms was published in 1938. This book was a landmark in the experiment of analysis of behavior. It presented Skinner’s novel and controversial research method, data and analysis of the behavior and conditioning of the male white rat. Through powerful experimental procedures he developed the theory of “Operant Conditioning”, the idea that we behave the way we do because this kind of behavior has had certain consequences in the past (Martin & Pear, p.388). In order for an organism to receive some type of reinforcement, the organism must behave in a specific manner and reinforcement is dependent on the organisms’ behavior. Skinner called attention to the type of conditioning in which reinforcement is associated with the response rather than with any stimulus providing the response. This includes three components, “First, a response must have some consequence. Second, the response must increase probability. Third is the increase in probability must occur because the response has this consequence”. (Kymiss & Poulson, 1990).
Professor Ivar Lovaas of UCLA, who is a well known autism expert, spent many years designing programs to help challenged children develop language, improve their play
Bibliography: Martin, G., & Pear, J. (2007). Behavior Modification, What is it and How to do it. Lovaas Institute Lovaas, I. O. (2003). 10. Teaching Individuals with Developmental Delays. Austin, Texas: Pro-Ed, Inc. Jason M Ogletree, B. T., & Oren, T. (2001). Application of ABA Principles to General Communication Instruction. , 16, 102-109. Kymissis, E., & Poulson, C Stu Nicholls. (2005). Autism Society of America: . Retrieved November, 2007, from http://www.autism-society.org Kathleen Seidel Lovaas, I. O., Schaeffer, B., & Simmons, J. Q. (1965). Building Social Behavior in Autistic Children by Use of Electric Shock. Journal Of Experimental Research, 99-109. Patrick E The American Journal of Psychology, Vol. 93, No. 2 (Jun., 1980), pp. 345-354 Din, F Putras, C. J., & Hackenberg, T. D. (2000). Timeout Postponement Without Increased Reinforcement Frequency. Journal of Experimental Analysis of Behavior, 147-164.