Behaviorism Case Study

1. Is Haley's fear of men most likely due to classical or operant conditioning? Justify your response (yes, it will all be hypothetical as we do not have enough information in this case) using terminology, definitions, and examples.

I would say that Haley's fear of men is most likely due to classical conditioning. Haley's reaction is an emotional reaction any time she is around men or has thoughts of men. Haley's conditioned stimulus is she is afraid of men. Her conditioned response is she becomes hysterical. Her unconditioned stimulus is also she is afraid of men and her unconditioned response is she will not go to violin lessons (or anywhere she knows there will be a man there).

2. How might you explain Meredith's aggressive behaviors from the perspective of operant conditioning?

Operant conditioning is voluntary and so with that said, Meredith knows the outcomes of her behaviors. So when she becomes aggressive she knows what will be the ending result. Meredith always beats up on Haley and she continues to do that because she knows that Haley will do whatever she wants her to do. She has the control. Another example, is when she was throwing a fit because she wanted to wear her pop star outfit. Her mother gives in and will not say no, so again by acting out, Meredith gets her way. Growing up, Meredith has observed in order to get what she wants she has to act out and misbehave. She has learned and realized nobody will stop her and so she will always get her way.

3. What strategies from Behavioral theory might a teacher use in working with Haley? Be specific and describe how each strategy could be used.

Haley is a very complex girl and is experiencing a difficult situation. One of the best things that would work for her is shaping. Since this is a difficult task we are working with we would want to take baby steps instead of trying to solve this problem at full force. I also think the positive and negative reinforcers could work. I would try the token economy for the positive reinforcer. When she accomplishes a goal or a task she would get rewarded. For instance, you could mix that in with negative reinforcement by taking away a part of an assignment if she goes to her violin lessons. In this case we are taking away something she doesn't want to do which is negative and encouraging her go to her music class. Haley and her teacher could also fill out a contingency contract where Haley and her teacher will sit down and Haley will agree on certain behaviors, which the teacher agrees with and then the teacher will agree to provide what is necessary. There are several different roads you could experience with Haley.

4. What strategies from Behavioral theory might a teacher use in working with Meredith? Be specific and describe how each strategy could be used.

I believe Meredith is lacking something in her personal life, maybe the feeling of love. Some children act out because there is something missing and they are trying to replace it or get noticed. This pertains to Meredith. I believe the best strategy that would work for Meredith is following the schedule of reinforcement. I would start out with continuous reinforcement by smiling at her and letting her know when she is doing something right. This will allow her to feel good about herself. I would then gradually change the schedule. Meredith likes having her way and so she would eventually realize this is something she wants and she will seek for that approval.

Another thing that may work with her is a contingency contract. I would do both a group contract as well as a individual contract. This will allow the class to show management and will place more pressure on the students to do what is right. As for the individual, this is great because Meredith likes having what she wants. The teacher and her will be able to sit down and come up with tasks she is willing to work on and the teacher can put that into action. This will allow her to feel a part in her development and will help the teacher to hopefully see change.