We are going to start a discussion of operant conditioning. This type of learnin

We are going to start a discussion of operant conditioning. This type of learning involves the use of punishers and reinforcement to modify a behavior. For this paper, you will conduct a single case study and write a paper describing it. For this case study, you will select a subject – it could be YOU, a sibling, parent, friend, dog, cat, boyfriend etc. You just need one person OR animal. For the project/paper – you will need to do the following:
· Introduction
1) Using 3 sources from Ebscohost – -not just internet, google search. No webpages. Describe how these types of behaviors have been modified in the past. The sources could also describe the basic principles of operant conditioning or reinforcement or punishment. You need at least 2 paragraphs from each source.
· Identify the Target Behavior
Describe which behavior that you are going to change. Make sure you describe the person/animal too.
For example: little brother – using sleeve as a Kleenex
· Provide Baseline Data
For a week, collect baseline data on the behavior.
For example: if you want your little brother to use a Kleenex instead of sleeve. Count how many times he does this in front of you.
· Stimulus Conditions Present
You also need provide information on the situation that produces this behavior most such as: activity occurring, other people in the situation, triggers, anything about the situation that is relevant
For example: my brother is usually in the living room, watching tv or looking at his phone; mom is not usually around etc.
· Setting Goals
Describe a goal for your subject. Start with smaller goals first, then move to a larger goal.
For example: 1 st goal: gets his attention about germs; 2 nd : get him to look at the Kleenex box; —- Big goal – reach for Kleenex instead of sleeve when nose runs
· Remove / Encourage Stimulus Conditions
For example; put in Kleenex near brother, talk about viruses around him etc.
· Identify the Punishers and Reinforcers
Positive Reinforcer: every time he looks at the Kleenex box – give him a piece of candy; or Positive Punishment: every time he uses his sleeve- yell at him.
· Design a Program
Describe the steps/plan you will use to stop or encourage behavior
· The Results
Describe your results; what happened? Be specific in your description
1) The paper must use APA format (we will discuss in class). The paper should be around 3 pages, double spaced.
2) Every day the paper is late – I will subtract 10 points – thus the paper will be lowered one letter grade
3) Paper due April 5 (Tuesday) by 11:59 p.m.
Guidelines:
Remember to use APA format. A link to APA style is https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/general_format.html [owl.purdue.edu]. We will also discuss it in class.
3) Don’t copy word for word from a source; you need to paraphrase from sources – no more than 2 quotes from each source. You can use quotes said by the subject of your paper.
4) Direct quotes proper citation (quotes, author, year, page number) and Paraphrasing also needs citation (author, year)
6) You will need a title page (APA style) and a references page with your sources listed in APA style