http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbVG8lYEsNs
The link to the video above is (I think) a great example of behavior principles applied to therapy sessions/specialized instruction for a child with autism. This video clearly demonstrates some important principles of operant conditioning including a clear, defined reward (that was provided as a choice from two options, which helps to decrease the likelihood of the child loosing interest in the reward), frequent verbal praise or reinforcement, and a clear distinction of when the reinforcer is provided (if you look to the side, you can see a counter of sorts that the child is working to fill completely up before he is given his reward). I personally have observed the effectiveness of this method of intervention, specifically related to the use of language for students with autism. However, as I noted in my reading response this week, it is very important to remain aware of the limitations, as well as the guiding principles of this method.
Just for fun, here's a video from The Big Bang Theory in which Sheldon (a character on the show who has Asperger's Disorder) attempts to condition his friend's girlfriend. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euINCrDbbD4
And I NEVER use these techniques on my husband...
I was laugh aloud when I first time watch this episode of The Big Bang Theory without thinking much about B.F.Skinner. This time,it is still funny, but also illustrating. Thank you for sharing! Sheldon is so smart to using positive and negative reinforcements to "shape" his friends for the purpose of creating a comfortable "environment". However, as Leonard said, Penny is just who she is and we should not to change her. The situation is weird: on one side, we want to respect every child's needs and interests; on the other side, we are hoping to create excellent kids who can do well on everything. Either one could be treated as a goal of education, but which one is better? which is less annoying?
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ReplyDeleteThat is a very good point! I agree that we are often seeking to "create excellent kids" according to our own personal version of what "excellent" means. The idea of excellence varies from person to person, culture to culture, and so on, so I agree that this is a fine line to walk. Who says that it is necessary for a child to behave one way versus another? Society, media, culture, religion, etc. dictate what we deem to be appropriate behavior, but do we ever actually take into account the individual perspective?
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