homework 6 BEHAVIOR THERAPY.docx - Running head THE...

Running head: THE BEHAVIORAL APPROACH 1
The Behavioral Approach to Therapy and Counseling
Kaitlyn O’Connor
University of Holy Cross

THE BEHAVIORAL APPROACH 2
The Behavioral Approach to Therapy and Counseling
Demonstrate an understanding of operant conditioning, including examples of positive
reinforcement, negative reinforcement, positive punishment, and negative punishment.
B. F. Skinner developed Operant Conditioning by elaborating upon Thorndike’s Law of
Effect. Skinner’s belief was that behaviors were mostly influenced by the consequences directly
following. If the behavior brought about some reward or eliminated negative stimuli Skinner
determined that the action will likely occur again; he called this positive reinforcement (Corey,
2013). For example, a child earning good grades may receive an extra piece of cake. If the child
values the extra desert he will work hard to maintain good grades in the hopes of receiving desert
as a reward. Negative reinforcement defined by Skinner is the avoidance of disagreeable stimuli.