Whether an individual is attempting to toilet train a toddler, improve exercise habits, or quit smoking cigarettes, the principles of operant conditioning may provide the key to successful behavior change. According to Skinner (1963), “The term operant was introduced to distinguish between reflexes and responses operating directly on the environment” (505). Some parents may have trouble training their infants to use the toilet; however, by using operant conditioning to change the behavior, they can easily accomplish their goal. Some young adults and even adults struggle to constantly exercise; but, if they use some of concepts defined within operant conditioning they may create a behavior that sticks with them for the rest of their lives. Finally,
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According to Gordon, “The mind loves habits, routines, and patterns.” Most people find it that it is just hard to stay motivated to exercise. Just creating a plan is one way that people can find motivation. One way that this is can be accomplished is by creating a list of the exercises that one wishes to do. Create a system of rewards and punishments that will force one to want to work-out. For example, if one goes to the gym and works out for an hour or two then they can reward themselves with an hour of television. Another example, would be if they skipped going to the gym, they could punish themselves by adding time to their workout. By sticking to this plan of reward and punishment one may create a behavior in which they actually enjoy …show more content…
Smoking can be a very addictive habit and is very hard to quit once one starts. According to Horvath, “A substance or activity can only become addictive if it is rewarding; i.e., if it is pleasurable or enjoyable (at least initially).” Where smoking is addictive the reward must have some form of value to the smoker to make them want to actually quit. It is very unlikely that a smoker would give of smoking for a chocolate bar; however, if they put the money back that they would have used for smoking for a car, then it is likely they will stick to their
According to Gordon, “The mind loves habits, routines, and patterns.” Most people find it that it is just hard to stay motivated to exercise. Just creating a plan is one way that people can find motivation. One way that this is can be accomplished is by creating a list of the exercises that one wishes to do. Create a system of rewards and punishments that will force one to want to work-out. For example, if one goes to the gym and works out for an hour or two then they can reward themselves with an hour of television. Another example, would be if they skipped going to the gym, they could punish themselves by adding time to their workout. By sticking to this plan of reward and punishment one may create a behavior in which they actually enjoy …show more content…
Smoking can be a very addictive habit and is very hard to quit once one starts. According to Horvath, “A substance or activity can only become addictive if it is rewarding; i.e., if it is pleasurable or enjoyable (at least initially).” Where smoking is addictive the reward must have some form of value to the smoker to make them want to actually quit. It is very unlikely that a smoker would give of smoking for a chocolate bar; however, if they put the money back that they would have used for smoking for a car, then it is likely they will stick to their