Psychology

The alteration of human behavior through various techniques is referred to as behavior modification. Positive reinforcement is one of the results of behavior modification. The frequency of occurrence of a certain behavior defines positive reinforcement. Behavior modification is used in the modern society to help change behaviors which are health related. Some of these behaviors include smoking. There are various psychological process through which behavior modification can take place. These include classical or operant conditioning. Reactive behavior is focused in the case of classical conditioning (Bijou Sidney W., 1981). Neutral stimulus in people can be attained through conditioning of reflex. Emotions such as satisfaction are associated with stimuli which have been conditioned. Pairing stimulus which is not conditioned with neutral stimulus leads to stimulus which is conditioned. In such a case, a conditioned response is achieved.

There are distinction between classical conditioning and operant conditioning. The introduction of neutral stimulus involves classical conditioning.  Operant conditioning on the other hand involves voluntary behavior modification. There are essential parameters involved in operant conditioning. These include the consequences and the environment under which operant behavior occurs. Consequences maintain the operant behavior acquired. Conversely, classical conditioning is concerned with conditioning which involves respondent behavior. Consequences do not maintain behaviors acquired through classical conditioning as opposed to operant conditioning. The response in organisms is what can be introduced to punishment, extinction and reinforcement. The possibility of increasing the possibility of occurrence of response in a later date defines reinforcement. Reinforcement in it its essence increases the frequency of a behavior. Punishment on the other hand reduces the occurrence of a certain behavior. Extinction reduces response probability.

In conclusion, behavior modification can be achieved through learning process which includes operant or classical conditioning. The response can be punished, extinguished or even reinforced.