Operant conditioning and multiple intelligence

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1. Target a behavior to be modified either an undesirable behavior that you would like to eliminate or a behavior that you would like to strengthen. Be sure to include references
One behavior that may initiate a plan for modification is aggression associated with Conduct Disorder (CD). CD is described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR [APA], 2000) with features that consist of a "Repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior in which the basic rights of others or major age-appropriate societal norms or rules are violated" (p.96). Based on the DSM-IV-TR aggression is a part of the groupings of behaviors associated with CD in which children, who cause physical harm to people or animals (e.g., hitting, biting and kicking of other children). Onset of the disorder occurs as early as preschool year, with symptoms emerging during middle school years to adolescence.
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2. Generate a plausible explanation for why the problem exists.

The DSM-IV-TR (2000) provides several reasons why CD may develop among children such as (a) an unstable environment [violence, fighting, threating, high-crime, poverty and war-prone existence, etc.], and (b) genetic factors. A person exhibiting this form of behavior may not have access to good care. For instance, punishment may have been reinforced the aggressive behavior. Research suggests that punishment for aggressive behavior, if not followed by non-aggressive behavior may result in increases in antisocial behavior, delinquency and aggressiveness (Bandura, Ross &Sheila Ross, 1961).

3. Describe at least (1) reason why the behavior must be changed and at least (1) benefit the change will bring.

The behavior must be changed, because the problem continues and escalates until the individual causes harm to self, others, animals; and or property. For example, as a child the behavior may be biting, hitting and kicking siblings and/or classmates. However, as the reach middle school or adolescence, they may escalate to criminal behaviors such as starting fires, rape and theft. It is important for Emily's target behaviors to be defined clearly, so that they can be clear, specific and observed. Based on the DSM-IV-TR's criteria, the manifestations of the disorder vary with factors such as age, gender and culture.

4. Design the program for modifying the behavior, making sure to include all relevant conditioning principles incorporated within the plan (which might include the use of positive and negative reinforcers, punishment, shaping, schedules of reinforcement, modeling, extinction, stimulus discrimination or generalization, ...