The Pros And Cons Of Operant Conditioning

Solving this problem requires using operant conditioning principles which has been widely applied in behavior modification. Positive and negative reinforcements that proposed by Skinner 's use to encourage good and wanted behavior and reduce the unwanted behavior. This leads us to a conclusion that every action has a consequence, if it is positive, the person is more likely to keep doing it. So, applying the operant conditioning will help sally change her behavior toward eating based on what she anticipates to come after the behavior, not what comes before. The operant conditioning is also about using positive and negative reinforcement in a contingent manner on performance of a specific behavior that aim to increase the likelihood of performing …show more content…
The secret behind the successful use of the operant conditioning in the programs of changing behavior is the small changes over time, so Sally needs to revise her tracking record and try to make one single change weekly on her diet. For example, replacing lunch with salad, or snake with a piece of fruit, or replacing juice with water. She also needs to make this change permanent week after week and follow these changes daily. Those little changes over weeks can shift her diet in a healthier …show more content…
The association between the new behavior and its consequences increases the frequency of performing this behavior “eating healthier”. Sally needs to feel encouraged to follow the changes; rewarding herself for the good behavior will make her more likely to perform the behavior frequently with excitement. The rewards with changing behavior programs should be in a contingent manner to motivate the performance of the behavior, Sally can reward herself daily at the end of the day with some activities that she loves do every day; watching TV, play video games, go shopping, go out with friends. The rewards that related to food should be avoided.