Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures (6th Edition)

Book Preface

I am gratified that the first five editions of Behavior Modification: Principles and Procedures received positive reviews from students and professors. The sixth edition has kept the positive features of the first five editions, has been revised to address the suggestions of reviewers, and has been updated to reflect the latest research in behavior modification.

The goal of this sixth edition (as with the earlier editions) is to describe basic principles of behavior so that the student learns how environmental events influence human behavior and to describe behavior modification procedures so that the student learns the strategies by which human behavior may be changed. The text is divided into 25 relatively short chapters, each of which covers a manageable amount of information (for example, one principle or procedure). This text can be used in a standard one-semester course in behavior modification, applied behavior analysis, behavior management, or behavior change.

The material in the text is discussed at an introductory level so that it may be understood by students with no prior knowledge of the subject. This text is intended for undergraduate students or beginning graduate students. It would also be valuable for individuals working in human services, education, or rehabilitation who must use behavior modification procedures to manage the behavior of the individuals in their care.

I have made a concerted effort in this text to be gender neutral. When discussing case examples, I include males and females about equally as often.