Behavior modification describes actions taken to increase positive behaviors and decrease negative behaviors. One example of behavior modification is when a parent restricts a child's bike riding privileges in response to the child riding without a helmet. In the article "Behavior Modification in the Classroom," published at LDOnline.com, N. Mather and Sam Goldstein state that behavior modification techniques never fail. Poor outcomes, however, result from inappropriate application of behavior modification methods.
Education and Training
Eliminating poor choices and increasing positive choices requires clarification, explanation and education about goals. Parents hoping to decrease arguing among their children should set rules about appropriate forms of family communication and role-play ways to solve differences without arguing. Employers working to decrease on-the-job accidents should establish rules about handling toxic materials and present training seminars about the topic.
Environmental Provisions
Without the proper tools, skills and environment, individuals may struggle to sustain appropriate behaviors. For example, teachers playing loud background music in their classrooms will struggle to encourage quiet talking and inside voices. To increase homework completion, a 10-year-old with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, should be encouraged to do homework in a quiet location that is free from distractions.
Contracting
Parents, teachers and therapists may develop written contracts in order to modify behaviors. A contract explains the behaviors to be changed and the natural or imposed consequences resulting from lack of change. For example, a parent and teenager may develop a contract about driving privileges. The contract outlines safe driving techniques along with the consequences for not following the rules, including the removal of driving privileges.
Tracking
Keeping track of negative and positive actions--either with or without consequences--provides a visible, tangible way to monitor behaviors. A supervisor in a plant might track the frequency of breaks. A teacher might ask students to track their compliance about rules regarding respectful behavior during presentations. An individual, an employee or a parent can do the tracking.
Positive Reinforcement
Children helping others without reminders or employees providing exemplary work might receive positive reinforcement in order to increase those behaviors. Positive reinforcement includes praise, expanded privileges, increased pay, better seating or parking, and extended free time or vacation days. A coach, for example, might take the team out for an unplanned visit to the local ice cream parlor for an exemplary practice session. The National Resource Center on AD/HD in its article "Psychosocial Treatment for Children and Adolescents with AD/HD" suggests that good behaviors should be praised five times more often than bad behaviors are criticized in order to foster positive change.
Negative Reinforcement
To help extinguish negative behaviors such as arriving late to work or not turning in homework, unwanted consequences help instill change. Employees arriving late to work might receive financial penalties or be required to work through lunch. Remaining after school might be a consequence for students turning in late assignments or producing sub-standard work. Other negative consequences include extra chores, working after hours or verbal reprimands.
