Child Psychology - Qp20

Systematic reinforcement is indeed an important feature of the operant conditioning basis of behavior modification. In operant conditioning, behaviors are strengthened or weakened based on the consequences that follow them. Systematic reinforcement involves consistently providing rewards or punishments to reinforce desired behaviors or discourage undesired behaviors. This helps individuals learn and modify their behavior over time. By using systematic reinforcement, behavior modification techniques can effectively shape behavior and promote positive changes.

Behaviour modification techniques have several advantages. Firstly, they are very easy to use, meaning that individuals can easily understand and apply them in their daily lives. Secondly, these techniques generate effective results very quickly, allowing individuals to see positive changes in their behaviour in a short period of time. These advantages make behaviour modification techniques a practical and efficient approach to modifying and improving behaviour.

Behaviors that are not reinforced tend to extinguish, meaning they gradually decrease and eventually disappear. When a behavior is not followed by a reward or reinforcement, it loses its strength and frequency over time. This process is known as extinction. Without reinforcement, individuals are less likely to engage in a behavior, as they do not receive any benefits or positive outcomes from it. Therefore, the correct answer is "Extinguish."

Behaviour modification focuses on observable behaviours rather than the history of the child. This approach emphasizes changing specific behaviours through techniques such as reinforcement, punishment, and shaping. By focusing on observable behaviours, behaviour modification aims to identify and modify specific actions that are problematic or undesirable. This approach is often used in therapy and educational settings to address issues such as aggression, self-control, and social skills.

Shaping is a process developed by Skinner that is used when the desired behavior is absent. It involves reinforcing successive approximations of the desired behavior until the target behavior is achieved. In other words, instead of waiting for the exact behavior to occur, shaping involves reinforcing small steps or behaviors that are closer to the desired behavior. This gradual reinforcement helps to shape and eventually establish the desired behavior.

Points systems are often used with the age group of 7 years and over. This is because children in this age group are typically able to understand and appreciate the concept of earning and accumulating points as a form of reward or recognition. They have developed the cognitive and emotional abilities to comprehend the value of points and the motivation to work towards earning them.

In the procedure of behavioral modification, it is necessary to clearly identify the problem before starting. This is because without identifying the problem, it becomes difficult to determine the appropriate strategies and techniques to modify the behavior. Identifying the problem allows for a targeted approach and helps in setting specific goals for behavior change. Without a clear identification of the problem, the behavioral modification process may lack direction and effectiveness.

Treating phobias does not necessarily require the reinforcement of the CS-CR link. In fact, one common approach in phobia treatment is exposure therapy, where individuals are gradually exposed to the feared object or situation without any reinforcement. This helps them to gradually overcome their fear and reduce their anxiety response. Therefore, the statement is false.

The aim of therapy when dealing with phobias is not to diminish the conditioned response, but rather to help individuals manage and cope with their phobias in a more effective way. Therapy for phobias often involves techniques such as exposure therapy, where individuals gradually face their fears in a controlled and supportive environment. The goal is to reduce the anxiety and fear associated with the phobia, rather than completely eliminating the conditioned response.