BEHAVIOR CHANGE
METHODS
FOR BEHAVIOR CHANGE
Sending a child to her room without toys because she refused to share her toys; refusing to speak to a spouse who was rude.
Removing a desired reward or activity in response to undesirable behavior
Negative Punishment
Ignoring a child when he has a temper tantrum; drastically cutting the possible winnings in a state lottery
Gradually eliminating a
behavior by removing the
reinforcers that follow
it
Extinction
Slapping a child for swearing at his parent; making a child do chores after getting into a fight with a classmate
Giving an aversive stimulus in response to an undesired behavior to suppress it
Punishment
Ceasing to scold a child when he hangs up his clothes; Giving in to a roommate or spouse in order to bring an argument to an end
Encouraging a behavior by removing an aversive stimulus thereafter
Negative Reinforcement
Giving a child candy when he brings in a homework assignment; Saying “good girl” to a baby who swallows a spoonful of food.
Encouraging a behavior by giving a desired reward or reinforcer thereafter
Positive Reinforcement
Examples
Definition
Mechanism
Created by Dr. Gordon
Vessels 2005