PSYC 2140 - Behavior Modification and Principles of Learning

4.5 Credits

This course exposes students to the history and various theoretical approaches to the study of learning and behavior modification. Students have opportunities to learn applied behavior modification techniques including observing and recording behavior and formulating and writing behavioral objectives. This course includes an examination of motivation, attitude formation, and cognitive intervention approaches.

Recommended: Reading assessment and college-level reading skills

Lecture Hours: 4.5
Lab Hours: 0.0
Internship Hours: 0.0
Clinical or Practicum Hours: 0.0

Course Objectives

At the successful completion of this course, each student will be able to:
Summarize and evaluate the behavior modification approach.
Employ the terminology of behavior modification.
Describe the historical roots and development of behavior modification.
Apply the basic principles and techniques of positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, extinction, shaping, fading, chaining, punishment, and modeling.
Differentiate among the major schedules of reinforcement.
Distinguish between discrimination and generalization.
Design a behavior modification program to overcome a behavioral handicap.
Evaluate the cognitive behavior modification perspective.
Analyze the ethical issues in the use of behavior modification.
Practice using APA-style format in writing assignments.

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