behavior analysis

I love seeing the principles of behavior analysis at work in my daily routines (and in others'). On the most fundamental level, behavior analysis operates on the assumption that behaviors are preceded by certain antecedants or stimuli and followed by a consequence. This consequence can either increase or decrease the likelihood that this behavior will occur again. If it increases the likelihood of the behavior it is a reinforcer and if it decreases the likelihood of the behavior occurring in the future than it is a punisher. That is enough information for me to get on with the fascination. Eliza has, knowingly, been a case study of mine since I am constantly using the principles of behavior to my benefit in parenting.

Our prior apartment was two-story. At bedtime, I would tell Eliza to go get her pajamas on and brush her teeth. Inevitably she would get her pjs on and come back down. For a split second I would wonder whether she was superhuman. Then, I would realize that there's no way in Hell she managed to brush her teeth. (and if she had, certainly not for 2 mintes). I would then ask her "Eliza, did you brush your teeth?" If she answered "Yes," I would explain why I knew that she hadn't. She quickly learned to say "No." The problem behavior consistently occurred after the next exchange. I would tell her to go back upstairs and brush her teeth. This was invariably followed by an audible moan of despair, then by a stomping up the stairs I am certain our neighbors were aware of. Once, she even sobbed, "I already walked all the way up the stairs once!" As a future behavior analyst I looked for the function of this behavior. Was she reinforced by a reaction I had given her? Did she believe, from other similar behaviors, that I would let her escape from this task? I decided to take care of that right away. A behavior analyst cannot allow their child to grow up with contingencies that increase the occurrence of such socially inappropriate behavior! I began to require her to re-do the exchange and re-walk the stairs-- without the sighing and stomping. This is, of course, just one example. Clearly it worked or I wouldn't be going into behavior analysis. She no longer stomps around or moans with despair when she has to go back to brush her teeth.

Have no fear... I have not altered the essence (this word makes me groan inside as a BA) of Miss Eliza. She still rolls her eyes and yes, sighs in mock despair. I love the drama that tiny beautiful girl can dish. The sarcasm that drips heavily, like molassas, from her lips...

Recently I have been trying to increase the "loud voice." Miss Eliza's "soft voice" is well known and I am trying to get that girl to talk with confidence. We'll see... maybe I'll carry some m&ms in my pocket and give her one each time she speaks clearly. wink.

UPDATE: I may actually be carrying skittles or m&ms in my pocket. I just finished reading this post aloud to this Miss Eliza girl and she is literally drooling on my shoulder. Jumping on the bed exclaiming "Really???? Really??? I can have m&ms???" "Maybe even a big butterfinger in your pocket????"