Behavior modification: a perspective
Norman, C.W.
American Journal of Occupational Therapy Official Publication of the American Occupational Therapy Association 30(8): 491-497
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0272-9490 PMID: 961811 Document Number: 108812
Behavior modification is an approach for changing behavior based on a preliminary study of the individual. Behavior change is attempted once the individual's learning characteristics and the identification of the optimal learning conditions for the learner have been analyzed. The ability to analyze systematically and to develop behavior-environment relationships also brings a responsibility to the user to understand and master the principles and procedures of behavior modification. This article basically ignores the issue of selecting broad treatment goals and the authority of clinicians or teachers to work actively toward achieving these goals. The principal focus is to provide a perspective on the evaluation and use of behavior modification programs based on their conceptual and procedural foundations. Criticisms and the misuse of behavior modification programs are included as well as a set of guidelines for evaluating and developing effective ones.