Generalization of Behavior Change
Generalization of Behavior Change
Each questions needs to be answered independently and they only need to be 350 words.
Question #1
Select a target behavior for change that will meet naturally existing contingencies of reinforcement. Describe Ayllon and Azrin’s (1968) concept of the ‘relevance of behavior rule’, and how your behavior meets this rule. Why is this so important to consider when designing a behavior change plan, and how does your target behavior fit this rule? With your target behavior in mind, specify all desired variations of the target behavior and the settings/situations in which it should (and should not) occur after instruction has occurred. Determine whether and to what extent generalization is desirable for all of the behavior changes listed, and include a prioritized list of the variations of the target behavior you would like to see as a generalized outcome. What are some of the ethical, practical and sociocultural considerations to explore when selecting target behaviors?
Question #2
Using the various strategies and tactics for promoting generalized behavior change listed in figure 28.4 of your text on p.626, design a behavior change plan that promotes generalization of behavior change. Use the target behavior(s) which you identified on the first Discussion Board this week. Be sure to describe whether or not you will use each of the different strategies and tactics listed in figure 28.4, and why or why not they would be appropriate to use in your specific example. Include a brief analysis of any practical, sociocultural, or ethical considerations to explore.
Discussion from 1st Discussion board:
Functional communication training (FCT) is a differential reinforcement method in which a person is shown an alternative response which results in the same reinforcement identified as causing problem behavior (Carr, 2011). In addition, Cooper, Heron and Heward (2007) explain that FCT is an antecedent intervention that teaches functional communication to decrease problem behaviors. Problematic behavior is put on extinction. Functional communication training objective is to establish a better communication behavior to compete with problematic behaviors. FCT changes alternative behaviors by motivating operations or establishing operations. Communication response may vary or be a combination of strategies for a single person, but the key function remains (Wacker D. P, 2005). It aims at improving communication with others.
A teacher to teach a student who shouts every time he wants to go to a toilet can use functional Communication Training (FCT) method or behavior change. The student causes disruption and is often teased by other students. The teacher should teach that student a non-verbal communicative form such as using gestures or pictures. The student can use that sign to request for permission every time he wants to go to the toilet. Shouting is embarrassing and causes disruption. Sign/gesture will be better in a learning environment because many can recognize it and the task is easy to do.
