Further, Skinner showed that such behaviors can be reinforced, extinguished, or shaped by using various stimuli. These concepts provide the foundation for behavior modification that continues to receive a great deal of attention. Behavior modification has been used with varying degrees of success with developmentally disabled individuals, autistic children, adolescent and adult sex offenders, in classrooms across the country, and in other populations as a means of shaping behavior. Many therapists and other specialists classify themselves as behaviorists. Summary Learning theories are exactly in line with the mechanistic world view.
Growth occurs in a predictable and linear manner.
The individual can be compared to a machine with discrete parts, each of which can be addressed or stimulated by factors in the environment. Intrinsic forces are not considered important in driving behavior, as learning theorists assert that any behavior can be elicited, extinguished, or changed by manipulating stimuli in the environment. We use behavior modification in our own lives as we try to influence or change other people's behaviors-or perhaps the behaviors of our pets. Think now of your own fears and apprehensions. You should definitely have a topic in mind for your term paper.