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The Skinner Project Jessie M Falls North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

Running head SKINNER PROJECT Introduction B. F. Skinners system of learning is based on operant conditioning. Operant

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Conditioning is the term he used to describe the effects of the consequences of a particular behavior on the future occurrence of that behavior. Operant Conditioning is a process of behavior modification in which the likelihood of a specific behavior is increased or decreased through positive or negative reinforcement each time the behavior is exhibited, so that the subject comes to associate the pleasure or displeasure of the reinforcement with the behavior. There are four types of Operant Conditioning: Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment, and Extinction. Both Positive and Negative Reinforcement strengthen behavior while both Punishment and Extinction weaken behavior. Skinner used the term operant to explain how individuals acquire a range of learned behaviors exhibited each and every day. He clearly believed that the best way to understand an individuals behavior is to look at the cause of an action and its consequence. Skinners approach focuses on predicting and controlling overt, observable behavior. These behaviors can be reliably observed by independent observers, who can count or otherwise measure the behavior. His theory argues that the causes of behavior are external to the individual. Skinner specifically addressed the applications of behaviorism and operant conditioning to educational practice. He believed that the role of the teacher was to reinforce behaviors that contributed to survival skills, and extinguish behaviors that did not. Behaviorist views have shaped much of contemporary education in children and adult learning. Because of this, Skinner theory is often referred to as the learning theory. The learning theory allows us to take desirable attribute and achieve them in a most operate manner.

Running head SKINNER PROJECT Review of Literature

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Smoking is one of the most common forms of recreational drug use. Tobacco smoking is today by far the most popular form of smoking and is practiced by over one billion people in the majority of all human societies. Perception surrounding smoking has varied over time and from one place to another; holy and sinful, sophisticated and vulgar, a panacea and deadly health hazard. Only relatively recently, and primarily in industrialized Western countries, has smoking come to be viewed in a decidedly negative light. Today medical studies have proven that smoking tobacco is among the leading causes of diseases such as lung cancer, heart attacks, COPD, erectile dysfunction and can also lead to birth defects. The inherent health hazards of smoking have caused many countries to institute high taxes on tobacco products and anti-smoking campaigns are launched every year in an attempt to curb tobacco smoking. In earlier years, people could buy cigarettes and smoke pretty much anywhere, even in hospitals. Ads for cigarettes were all over the place. Today we're more aware about how bad smoking is for our health. Smoking is restricted or banned in almost all public places and cigarette companies are no longer allowed to advertise on TV, radio, and in many magazines. Despite scientific research regarding health risk, ads warning people about smoking, and the high taxes applied to cigarettes, people continue to indulge in this habitual activity. The reason can be summed in one word, addiction. Like other addictive drugs such as heroin, cocaine, the body and mind quickly become so used to the nicotine in cigarettes that a person needs to have it just to feel normal. People start smoking for a variety of different reasons. Some think it looks cool. Others start because their family members or friends smoke. Statistics show that about 9 out of 10

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tobacco usage start before they're 18 years old. Most adults who started smoking in their teens never expected to become addicted. Smoking for me started at the young age of 17 years old, a freshman entering college, the first time away from home. Though both parents were smokers and my father actually worked for a cigarette company, I was never encouraged to take up the habit. Conforming to the social group I was a part of during my days in college, the habits was quickly adapted. Ive made

several attempts at quitting smoking, stopping for periods of times, however I continue to smoke. For this reason I chose to modify this behavior in attempt to rid myself of this habit. Method In an effort to reduce and hopefully quit smoking, I implemented a 3 day assessment method of monitoring the number of cigarettes consumed per day. I also assessed the amount of money spent on cigarettes per week. With a cost of $3.93 for a pack of 20 cigarettes, each cost approximately $0.20. This method helped me to conceptualize the amount of nicotine Im subjecting my body to each day. During the first 3 days of this behavioral modification process, I assessed and documented each cigarette smoked, and the time intervals between each cigarette. This assessment advised that I actually smoked 15 cigarettes per day at a cost of approximately $3.00. Upon completion of the 3 day assessment, I implemented another assessment consisting of 7 days, setting goals as to the number of cigarettes to be consumed daily and time intervals. On the first day, I set a goal of smoking a cigarette in 1.5 hour intervals for the 3 days. This process indicated a reduction of 3 cigarettes per day and a cost savings of $ 1.80 for the 3 day period. The next 4 days, I reduced the time interval to smoking every 2 hours, reducing my intake to 9 cigarettes per day and a cost savings of $ 2.13 per day.

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Due to the increase in time intervals for smoking, I would start to feel anxious. At this point I began to review my 10 affirmation statements created earlier. After 1- 2 successful time intervals, I rewarded myself with an online wish list at Coach.com. By the end of 7 days, the number of cigarettes consumed was 69 (cost of 3 packs of cigarettes versus 5) with a savings of $14.10. The money saved was placed in a piggy bank to go towards the purchase of a new summer bag from my wish list at Coach.com. This behavior modification process was extended for 10 additional days. During this timeframe I increase the time interval for a cigarette to 3 hours, not to exceed more than 6 per day. I really began to assess which situations triggered my desire to smoke. My most desired urge to smoke is the morning along with coffee and after meals. This assessment afforded me the opportunity to change some other behaviors. Instead of having several cups of coffee in the morning, I replaced coffee with fruit juice. For lunch and dinner I would either plan to have these meals with friends that didnt smoke or if alone, I would immediately remove myself from the environment and read my affirmation statements. I engaged myself in activities which required the usage of my hands. When the urge became overwhelming and I would start to feel anxious, I would then smoke half of a cigarette, restarting the 6 hour interval. By the end of the second phase of behavior modification, my consumption of cigarettes had greatly decreased consuming 2 cigarettes per day, and with an increase in saving monies to go toward the purchase for my reward. Results The initial 3 day assessment afforded me the opportunity to realize the numbers of cigarettes I consumed on a daily basis. This initial modification process also an enlightenment of the amount of money spent for cigarettes that could be utilized for something more tangible. My

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results indicated that I actually smoked 15 cigarettes per day with the cost of a pack of 20 cigarettes being $3.93. Over a period of 3 days, I would spend on an average of $ 11.79 for cigarettes. The urge to light up a cigarette in the morning and after each meal would be a challenge that I was ready to enforce. I realize smoking is not only habitual but an addiction. Small reachable goals were set to make an attempt to reduce and eventually kick the smoking addiction. During the next phase of 7 days, a goal was set to smoke 1 cigarette every 2 hours not to exceed 12 cigarettes per day. Because smoking is an addiction, my day was broken into segments with a concentration on getting through a couple of hours without smoking. Positive reinforcement (online wish list shopping) was also introduced at this time to assist me in getting through the urge within the 2 hour timeframe. Each successful session of accomplishment was rewarded with banking the money that was saved by not smoking. With a cost of $3.93 for a pack of cigarettes, each cost approximately $.20 each. The first day of this 7 day interval yield a savings $1.60. By the weeks end, I had accomplished the set goal of smoking < 12 cigarettes per day at 2 hour intervals, for a total of 69 cigarettes smoked in a 7 day period. This also yields a savings of $13.59 for the week (calculation based on 4 packs purchased versus 7). Inspired by the aforementioned accomplishments of reducing the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the savings acquired, this behavior modification was extended an additional 10 days for a total of 20 days for the entire process. During this additional 10 day timeframe, I really began to assess behaviors that increased the urge to smoke. The smoking intervals were increased to smoking within 3 hours increments not to exceed 6 cigarettes per day. Realizing that my smoking urges was more intense in the morning with coffee and after each meal encouraged me to change those behaviors as well. Coffee was replaced with fruit juice and healthy meals were well planned to

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be eaten in a non-smoking environment. A minimum of twice a day, I referred to most favored affirmation statement, Philippians 4: 13, I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me. When the urge to smoke consumed me to the point of becoming anxious, I would smoke a portion of the cigarette, restarting my 6 hour interval if I had not yet reached the desired goal. During this phase, I recognized that my desire was slowly dissipating. The end of this behavior modification (20 days) indicated a reduction in cigarette consumption per day to 2, yielding a total savings of $46.90. To coincide with the tracking of the number of cigarettes consumed, I also assessed what behavior induced the craving for nicotine the most. Results indicated that the craving was at peak during early morning hours while drinking coffee and the en d of each meal. The urge to light up a cigarette in the morning and after each meal would be a challenge that I was ready to enforce.
Figure 1A- 3day assessment to measure behavior

Figure 1B-Affirmation Statements

I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me Philippians 4:13 Determined Strong Courageous Intelligent

Honest

Mature Beautiful Inspired Successful

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Figure 2 A -7 days of smoking at 2 hour intervals

Figure 2B-calulation based on cigarette cost per pack for 7 days Reinforcers: Total Saved $ 14.10

$3.00 $2.50 $2.00 $2.00 $1.50 $1.00 $0.50 $0.00 D1 D2 D3 D4 $1.80 $1.60 $1.60

$2.60 $2.40 $2.10

D5

D6

D7

saving per day, D= day

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Figure 3A- 6 hour intervals

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Figure 3B- Calculation based on cost of 10 packs

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The intervention of positive reinforcement was helpful in producing change in the number of cigarettes I consumed on a daily basis. Smoking has been my enabler for many years and for this reason I chose this behavior as the stimuli to be modified. At the initial phase of this behavior modification process, I smoked 15 or more cigarettes per day depending on what situations occurred. Setting obtainable goals in small increments was instrumental in the number of cigarettes I smoke per day. As I processed through this modification, the smell of tobacco became more intense and less desirable. The taste of cigarettes, specifically the after taste of smoking has almost become unbearable, which is a good thing. Ive always smoked in ventilated areas, however now even outside the smell is horrific, again this is good. The end of this behavior modification proved that I can quit smoking. Now instead of smoking approximately a pack of cigarettes per day, Ive reduced by total intake to 1-2 per day, smoking only part of it at one time. Smoking is more than a habit, its an addiction. I realize I will continue to have urges to smoke; however, I am more than determined to stop.

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References Cherry, K (nd). Introduction to Operant Conditioning. About.com Psychology. Retrieved April 5, 2012, from http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/a/introopcond.htm

Boeree, C.G. (nd). Biography of B.F. Skinner. Personality Theories. Retrieved 2006, from from http://allpsych.com/biographies/skinner.html