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Behavior Modification in Applied Settings

Sixth Edition

Alan E. Kazdin

The major focus of this highly regarded text is on the application of operant conditioning principles, implementation of behavior modification techniques, and assessment and evaluation of program effectiveness. Determining how the complex task of changing behavior is approached involves defining problems, moving from concepts to observable behaviors and assessing these behaviors, transitioning from assessment to intervention, and evaluating behavior-change techniques and deciding whether the change is sufficient. The author effectively addresses this daunting challenge by providing readers with clear explanations, hands-on techniques, and practical examples of behavior modification techniques and programs.

Concepts are illuminated with case examples from a variety of settings—school, home, clinical, and work. Pertinent discussions of social, ethical, and legal issues and the presentation of professional guidelines for interventions enhance the considerations given to intervention programs. Among the many valuable pedagogical features of the book are the end-of-chapter exercises that help readers apply key concepts to design an intervention or to improve a weak program.

$57.95 list, 512 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-582-1

13-digit ISBN: 978-157766-582-3

© 2001

Instructor's Manual and Test Bank available

“Ideal for presenting an overall view of behavior modification. . . . A delight to read in terms of its comprehensiveness and identification of the basic characteristics of the field.” —Nathan Azrin, Nova Southeastern University

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Behavior Modification and Its Key Characteristics / Two Case Illustrations / Foundations of Behavior Modification / Contemporary Behavior Modification

2. Principles of Operant Conditioning

Contingencies: The ABCs of Behavior / Antecedents of Behavior / Behaviors / Consequences of Behavior / Additional Principles and Concepts

3. How to Identify, Define, and Assess Behavior

Identifying the Goal of the Programs / Defining the Target Behavior / Conducting Observations

4. Functional Analysis: From Assessment to Intervention

Characteristics and Elements of Functional Analysis / Methods of Assessment / Hypothesis Testing and Intervention / Evaluation and Special Considerations

5. How to Evaluate a Behavior Modification Program

Basic Characteristics of Single-Case Designs / Single-Case Experimental Designs / Group Designs / Evaluating the Data

6. Positive and Negative Reinforcement

Positive Reinforcement / Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Reinforcement / Negative Reinforcement

7. Punishment

Presentation of Aversive Events / Withdrawal of Positive Consequences / Punishing Consequences Based on Effort / Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Punishment / Side Effects of Punishment / Characteristics of the Punishment Process / Controversy: Punishment and Its Use / When and How to Use Punishment

8. Extinction

Extinction of Positively Reinforced Behaviors / Factors That Influence the Effectiveness of Extinction / Characteristics of the Extinction Process / Applications of Extinction / When and How to Use Extinction / Extinction of Negatively Reinforced Behavior

9. Special Technique Variations to Enhance Performance

Rechecking the Contingencies and Their Implementation / Contingency Contracts / Group-Based Programs / Peer-Administered Contingencies

10. Self-Control Techniques

Interest in Self-Control / Techniques of Self-Control / Strengths and Limitations

11. Cognitively Based Treatment

Background / Treatment of Distorted or Deficient Thought Processes / Imagery-Based Treatments / Modeling / Combined Techniques / Current Status and Issues

12. Response Maintenance and Transfer of Training

Response Maintenance / Transfer of Training / Programming Response Maintenance and Transfer

13. Social, Ethical, and Legal Contexts

The Social Context of Treatment / Ethical and Legal Contexts / Least-Restrictive-Alternative Doctrine / Ethical Guidelines and Protection of Client Rights

14. Current Issues and Future Directions

Scope of Applications / Challenges and Contexts / Current Directions in Intervention Research

Glossary