Behaviorism Case Study Analysis

Case Study

1. I think Haley's fear of men is classical conditioning because he probably had an unconditioned stimulus like a man being mean to her and then her natural unconditioned response was to be afraid of him. Now the conditioned stimulus is every man she sees. Therefore her conditioned response it to be afraid of all men.

2. Meredith's aggressive behavior is a case of operant conditioning. I think this because sometime in her past she behaved badly and she received no negative consequences for her actions. So she continues to behave badly knowing that no one is going to do anything about it.

3. Well I might have to talk to Haley first to see if we could work those her fears. Then through continuous reinforcement of her see that not all men are men she might learn to trust them again. We could also work through her need for her sister or her need to follow others by positive reinforcement of everytime she stands alone. I could call her or have her by my helper on something and then praise her so that she can see that she doesn't need others all the time.

4. For Meredith I think I would start out with removal punishment first. I would let her know that some behaviors such as hurting others in unacceptable and their will be consequences for those actions. Then slowly I would try shaping. I would reward her when she listen to the teacher or is nice to others. I would acknowledged when other students do it as well and praise them and maybe she will follow their example.