How operant condition techniques are used in behavior modification?!
Question:
How operant condition techniques are used in behavior modification?
Answers:
For operant conditioning, the subject is presented with a discriminative stimulus (Sd) and they then must perform a task to receive reinforcement. If they do not know how to perform the task then their behavior must be shaped until they can perform the task.
The task is typically either one where behavior is rewarded after a set number of responses or a set amount of time.
An example of the set number of responses would be "do your homework". When given the Sd (told to do homework), the subject must then engage in the "doing homework" behavior (proper study habits) in order to get a reward (approval and grades.) If there is no Sd, then the subject will not have the occasion set to do his homework. If he does not have appropriate "doing homework" behavior then his behavior must be shaped so that he does. Once reinforcement begins it will encourage further "doing homework" behavior until finally the behavior is automatic.
An example for set amount of time would be the case of a person who feels they snack too much in-between meals. For this, specific meal-times can be set, in which case the clock becomes the Sd. The reward can be something enjoyable at the end of the day, provided that the schedule was followed, even a "snack"!
Of course, there are many more examples and conditions (particularly Wanchisen's concepts of "conditioning history") but those would be two typical applied examples of everyday life.