Identify a behavioral habit that you would like to acquire — studying, initiating conversations with others, exercising to keep fit, etc.?
Write this activity in behavioral terms on the lines below. (Don’t use mentalistic words such as “feeling” or “wanting.” Behaviorists require that you keep things objective by specifying only an observable behavior.)
The desired new behavior: __________________________________________________________
When or under what conditions would you like to engage in this new behavior? Below, write in the time or stimulus conditions when you want to initiate the behavior (for example: in class, when relaxing with friends, or at a certain time every morning).
The time or conditions for the new behavior: ____________________________________________
To increase your likelihood of producing the desired response, apply some positive reinforcement therapy to yourself. Choose an appropriate reward that you will give yourself when you have produced the desired behavior at the appropriate time. Write the reward that you will give yourself below.
Your reward: ______________________________________________________________________
Track your progress by keeping a daily record of the occurrence of your new behavior this week. This could be done, for example, on a calendar or a graph. You will discover that the desired behavior has increased in frequency. You will also find that your new habit carries its own rewards, such as better grades or more satisfying social interactions (Kazdin, 1994). Share your findings with the class in the “Psychology Café”.