Relying On Information Learned And Read In This Class ✓ Solved
Relying On Information Learned And Read In This Class
Relying on information learned and read in this class and at least two (2) outside references, write a four to six (4-6) page paper based on the Radical Behaviorist Approach. For purposes of writing your scenario, your character is named Rad and you are the Instructor. The scenario should be based on the following steps outlined in your book: Step One – Set Behavioral Goals. Describe the desired behavior you would like Rad to achieve. Note: Consider what have you observed about Rad related to the desired behavior.
Step Two – Determine Appropriate Reinforcers. Define reinforcers, and explain the reinforcers that you have selected for the desired behavioral outcome for Rad. Include the primary reasons why the selected reinforcers are appropriate for Rad, you (the Instructor), and the environment.
Step Three – Select Procedures for Changing Behavior. Describe the procedures that you implemented to achieve the desired behavior in Rad, and specify the main reasons why you chose these procedures.
Step Four – Implement Procedures and Record Results. Discuss the implementation of the procedures that you chose in Step 3, and create fictional results. Explain the method(s) that you used to observe the results.
Step Five – Evaluate and Revise. Discuss the method(s) that you used to evaluate the effectiveness of your desired behavioral change in Rad, and determine the major revisions you may consider to your program in the future.
The format of the report is to be as follows: Typed, double spaced, Times New Roman font (size 12), one inch margins on all sides, APA format. Use headers for each of the subjects being covered, followed by your response. In addition to the four to six (4-6) pages required, a title page is to be included. The title page is to contain the title of the assignment, your name, the instructor’s name, the course title, and the date.
Paper For Above Instructions
Implementation of the Radical Behaviorist Approach: Case Study of Rad
Instructor Name: [Your Name]
Course Title: [Course Title]
Date: [Submission Date]
Introduction
The Radical Behaviorist Approach, rooted in the theories of B.F. Skinner, emphasizes the importance of observable behavior and external stimuli in understanding human actions. This paper will explore the case of Rad, a character being observed and guided as an instructor implements the radical behaviorist method. The focus will be on establishing behavioral goals, selecting reinforcers, applying behavior change procedures, observing results, and evaluating the program's effectiveness.
Step One: Set Behavioral Goals
The first step in applying the Radical Behaviorist Approach is to set specific and measurable behavioral goals. For Rad, the desired behavior is to increase participation in class discussions. Based on observations, Rad tends to remain quiet during discussions, often resorting to passive observation rather than contributing thoughts or questions. The goal for Rad is to encourage him to speak at least three times in each class. This target offers a clear metric for success while enhancing his learning experience by engaging him more actively in the classroom.
Step Two: Determine Appropriate Reinforcers
Reinforcers are stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. In selecting reinforcers appropriate for Rad, I chose a combination of social praise and tangible rewards. Social praise, such as verbal affirmations after Rad speaks, serves to boost his confidence and create a positive association with participating in class discussions. A tangible reward, like extra credit or a small treat, will encourage him to make the effort to engage. These reinforcers were chosen because they cater to Rad’s apparent preference for social approval and can effectively influence his behavior without overshadowing the intrinsic value of learning.
Step Three: Select Procedures for Changing Behavior
The procedures implemented to facilitate Rad's behavioral change focus on positive reinforcement and structured opportunities for participation. The first procedure involves setting aside a designated time during each class for open discussions, with a clear expectation that all students are encouraged to contribute. Additionally, I plan to utilize targeted prompting, where I will directly encourage Rad to respond or share his thoughts during these discussions. These methods were chosen to create a supportive environment that lowers anxiety about speaking up and offers Rad clear opportunities to succeed.
Step Four: Implement Procedures and Record Results
The implementation of these procedures began in the next class session following the establishment of goals and reinforcers. The designated discussion time was introduced, and I actively prompted Rad during the first discussion. For instance, I would say, “Rad, what do you think about our last topic?” After this first prompt, Rad responded with his thoughts, leading to my immediate social praise. Over the course of four sessions, I recorded Rad's participation levels, which indicated that he spoke three times in the first session but only once in the second, followed by consistent participation in the following sessions. This variability highlights Rad’s fluctuating willingness to engage but demonstrates an overall increase in participation marked by positive responses.
Step Five: Evaluate and Revise
Evaluation of Rad's progress was conducted by assessing the frequency of his contributions over six class sessions. I employed a simple tally system to track the number of times Rad participated. The initial goal was met, and he consistently spoke during discussions. However, the second session highlighted a dip in participation, which may necessitate a revision of motivational strategies, perhaps involving different reinforcers or further engagement techniques when participation wanes. I plan to introduce peer feedback sessions, where students can provide supportive suggestions, potentially addressed Rad's reticence during discussions.
Conclusion
The application of the Radical Behaviorist Approach with Rad illustrated the effectiveness of setting clear goals, appropriate reinforcers, and structured behavioral change strategies. Through a deliberate focus on observable outcomes and reinforcement, Rad's participation levels improved significantly, showcasing the potential of radical behaviorism in educational settings. Future modifications to this approach can continue to refine the support offered to Rad and other students, fostering an environment where all learners feel encouraged and motivated to participate.
References
- Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and Human Behavior. New York: Macmillan.
- Skinner, B. F. (1974). About Behaviorism. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.
- Miltenberger, R. G. (2012). Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.
- Cooper, J. O., Heron, T. E., & Heward, W. L. (2007). Applied Behavior Analysis (2nd ed.). Pearson.
- Houten, R. V. (1997). Reinforcement: A Powerful Concept in Psychology. Psychology Press.
- McSweeney, F. K., & Murphy, E. S. (2009). Behavioral Psychology: Principles and Applications. Psychological Press.
- Ganz, J. B. (2007). Use of reinforcement in classroom settings. Education and Treatment of Children, 30(3), 113-124.
- Alberto, P. A., & Troutman, A. C. (2013). Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers (9th ed.). Pearson.
- Whittaker, J. (2018). Behaviorism: Foundations and contemporary issues. Psychological Review, 125(1), 105-112.
- Friman, P. C., & Hupp, S. D. (2014). The Behavioral Analysis of Child Development. Springer.