A theoretical review and experimental analysis of positive reinforcement and punishment and the generalization of their effects in preschool children

In trying to change undesirable behaviors in children, specifically aggressiveness and hyperactivity, whether in the classroom or in the home, current researchers have employed techniques derived from learning theory. The area of learning theory from which these techniques have been derived is termed "operant conditioning." Operant conditioning refers to a process in which the frequency of occurrence of a bit of behavior is modified by the consequences of the behavior (Krasner, 1971). The conditioning of "operants" (a response made by the organism) calls attention to the process that a response or a bit of behavior must be emitted before it may be conditioned (Hilgard and Bower, 1966). The use of operant techniques to change behavior is generally referred to as "behavior modification*" The term "behavior modification" has been used interchangeably with the term "behavior therapy." These two terms have not been clearly differentiated, but it is the preference of the present writer that behavior modification be used to refer solely to the use of operant conditioning techniques, and that behavior therapy be used to refer to other techniques derived from learning theory such as systematic desensitization, therapeutic sexual arousal, assertive training, etc.