Download Behavior Modification (PSYC B45)

Behavior Modification (PSYC B45)
Spring 2009
Instructor: Dr. Ginger M. LeBlanc
Office: LA 215C Phone: 395-4513
Office Hours: MW 11:30-1:00 & TR 8:00-9:00 am
Email: [email protected]
Website: www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/gleblanc
Course Description: (as it appears in the 2008-2009 catalog): Basic principles of learning theory and their
application to behavioral changed introduced. Operant conditioning techniques based upon operant
conditioning, classical conditioning, techniques based upon the classical conditioning model, observational
learning, and techniques based upon observational learning are included. Covers a comparison of
medical/learning model of mental illness and a unit of physiological feedback. Recommended: PSYC B1a
Required Textbook: Malott, W. Richard and Trojan, Elizabeth A. (2008). Principles of Behavior (6/E).
Prentice Hall. ISBN: 9780132433631.
Instructor’s Goals: At the end of this course you should have a better understanding and appreciation of
the multitude of factors that contribute to behavior. You will be able to demonstrate mastery of the fundamental
principles and assumptions of operant conditioning; the ability to correctly apply operant conditioning
principles to a variety of behaviors and in a variety of contexts; and mastery of the skills needed to evaluate and
analyze the effectiveness of behavior modification programs.
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Summarize operant, classical and social learning theories.
2. Describe applications of learning theory to changing behaviors.
3. Create a behavioral program using appropriate strategies.
4. Summarize ethical issues involved in behavior therapy.
Student’s Responsibilities:
1. To attend every class. If an absence is necessary inform the instructor as soon as possible.
2. “Early is on-time, on-time is late.”
3. Please schedule an appointment with me if you are having difficulty with the material, assignments or need
assistance with your study skills.
Note: All work must be typed and conform to American Psychological Association (5th ed.) guidelines.
Also, papers that are more than one page in length must be stapled. Failure to comply will result in point
deduction.
Assessment:
Component
Pts.
Exams (4 @ 50)
200
Homework assignments
50
Final exam
50
Quizzes
50
Total=350
Grading Scale
90-100%
A
80-89%
B
70-79%
C
60-69%
D
0-59%
F
Details:
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Exams: There will be five unit exams and one final (comprehensive) final delivered throughout the semester
(see Tentative Outline below for approximate dates). Each exam will consist of multiple choice, essay and
short-answer type questions. The lowest exam score will be dropped. There will be no make-up exams.
Quizzes: Random quizzes will be administered at the beginning of class. The lowest score will be dropped
from the final grade. It is important that you arrive on time (Remember, early is on-time and on-time is late)
as tardiness can result in missed quizzes.
Assignments: Throughout the course you will be assigned various works including the observation and
recording of human and nonhuman behavior and developing and implementing a behavior change program,
Tentative Outline
Date
Jan. 21
Jan. 26-28
Feb. 2-4
Feb. 9-11
Feb. 16-18
Feb. 23-25
Mar. 9-11
Mar 16-18
Mar. 23-25
Mar. 30-Apr.1
Apr. 13-15
Apr. 20-22
Apr. 27-29
May 4-6
May 13
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Topic
Introduction to Class & Reinforcer
Reinforcement (Positive)
Reinforcement (Negative)
Reinforcement review
Punishment (Positive)
Exam 1: Feb. 9 (Chapters 1, 2, 3)
 Punishment (Negative)
 Extinction
 Differential Rft
Exam 2 Feb. 23 (Chapters 4, 5, 6)
 Shaping
 Shaping & Unlearned Reinforcers
 Learned Reinforcers
 Learned Reinforcers
Exam 3 Mar. 18 (Chapters 7, 8, 9, & 11)
 Discrimination & Stimulus Control
 Schedules of Reinforcement
 Schedules of Reinforcement: Interval
 Concurrent Contingencies
Exam 4 Apr. 15 (Chapters 12, 13, 17, 18 and some of 19)
 Classical Conditioning
 Classical Conditioning cont.
 Maintenance
 Transfer
Exam 5: May 4 (Chapters 21, 27, and 28)
 Job and Grad School
Final Examinations
Reading
Chap. 1
Chap. 2
Chap. 3
Chap. 4
Chap. 5
Chap. 6
Chap. 7
Chap. 8
Chap. 9
Chap. 11
Chap. 11
Chap. 12 & 13
Chap. 17
Chap. 18
Chap. 19
Chap. 21
Chap. 21
Chap. 27
Chap. 28
Chap. 30
Comprehensive