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Laura Hampton

9/25/2014
Ed 252
Week 1 summary questions

1.

What are the differences between classical and operant conditioning?


Provide examples of each as observed in everyday situations.
In classical conditioning, an automatic reaction is triggered by the use of a specific
stimulus. It is done so often that the use of the specific stimulus will give the reaction
every time. In operant conditioning, a behavior is affected by something that happens
in the given situation. An example of classical conditioning is my cats jumping up
on the counter at the sound of a can opener. They do this no matter what is being
opened. They assume I am giving them tuna. An example of operant conditioning is
my niece throwing blocks at my son when she gets tired in the evening.

2.

Discuss and give examples of how some of the treatment strategies in


behavior therapy are related to classical conditioning.

Systematic desensitization is when something that causes severe anxiety is gradually


adjusted to by slow exposure to the cause of the anxiety while being exposed to
positive, calming stimuli. An example of this is being gradually exposed to deeper
and deeper water while playing with a ball and having fun. It is related to classical
conditioning because the automatic fear response is coupled with positive stimuli.
Modeling is leaning to get over fears by watching others interacting with what we are
afraid of. An example of this is my son overcoming his fear of dogs by watching his
cousins playing with them and gradually he became accustomed to them. It is related
to classical conditioning because the automatic fear response is gradually added to a
positive stimulus.
Biofeedback is when a person is given physical feedback to a bodys responses. An
example of this is someone given reassurance that he/she is still breathing when
he/she has a panic attack. It is related to classical conditioning because the negative
stimulus is simultaneously being coupled with the positive stimulus.

3.

Discuss the treatment strategies frequently associated with behavior therapy.


Could any of the treatment strategies be applied to the classroom setting?
How?

Systematic desensitization could be used in the classroom by a teacher using a game


to expose a child gradually to what he/she is afraid of.
Modeling could be used in the classroom by a student watching others playing with a
pet that he/she is afraid of, or a student watching others stand up and talk and
gradually becoming adjusted to doing it his/herself.
I am not sure how or if biofeedback could be used. Maybe if a child has a panic
attack, the teacher could help him/her breath into a bag to let him/her know that
he/she will not pass out.

4.

List and give examples of the different types of prompts and cures that may
be used as antecedent stimuli to teach new behaviors.

Natural prompts are prompts that occur naturally before the appropriate behavior. An
example of this is children putting away their supplies before going out to recess.
Verbal prompts are a teacher explaining what is expected of a specific behavior. An
example of this is a teacher telling the students to put away their supplies and sitting
quietly to go outside to recess.
Gesture prompts are when a teacher points at the same time he/she gives verbal
instructions and eventually the teacher will only have to point. An example of this is
the teacher pointing to the clock and saying that it is time to go to recess. Eventually
the teacher will only have to point at the clock for the children to realize that it is
recess time.
Modeling prompt is when a teacher points out that a specific student is modeling
appropriate behavior. An example of this is when a teacher says that a specific
student is doing what is asked of. Mark, I like the way you put your supplies away
and are sitting quietly. It tells me that you are ready for recess.
Physical prompts are when a teacher physically helps the student perform the
appropriate behavior. An example of this is when a teacher helps a student put
away his/her books and get ready for recess by physically manipulating him/her.

5.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing only observable and


measurable behaviors for planning behavioral interventions within the
classroom.

The advantages of using only observable behaviors are that it assumes that every
student can be taught the appropriate behavior if given the right circumstance. It does
not take into account psychological problems that are underlying problems for the
behaviors.

6.

List and discuss 3 out of the 8 major assumptions of behavior modification


found in your text.

1. Most behaviors are learned. Behaviors are learned and not an automatic reflex. If
a child is modeled with appropriate behavior, he/she will do the same.
2. Most behaviors can be taught, modified, or changed. Behaviors can be changed
over time. If a student is shown the same behavior over and over, he/she will
adapt to the new behavior.
3. Behavior change programs should focus on the childs environment. The
environment that the child is in is the reason for his/her behavior. If the behavior
is to be changed, the environment needs to change.

7.

Identify and describe the use of behavior management strategies you have
observed either in a school or community setting.

One behavior management strategy I observed as a child in school was the use of
corporal punishment by the principal. Another was trying to treat everyone the same
way. All students are different and a cookie cutter approach only works for some
students.

8.

What are the due process protections for students? How can schools ensure
that due process protections are available to all students?

Due process protections for students are that students have the right to a hearing if
they are suspended for a long period of time (10 or more days). They also have the
right to be told what they are being suspended for and the right to have their side
heard by an impartial 3rd party. Schools can ensure that due process protections are
available by making sure that the rules are easily understood by the students and have
to do with the school situation, not just to get them to behave the way adults think
they should. The consequences of breaking the rules must be easily understood also.
9.

What is a manifestation determination? When would you use one? Who is


involved in this process?
Manifestation determination is to see if the misbehavior has to do with a students
disability. If the misbehavior is the result of the students disability, the student must
not be found at fault. It is used when a student is going to be displaced by
suspension or expulsion to be sure that the learning process will not be interrupted.
The students IEP team is involved in the process.

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