SOCSCI 2UA3 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Operational Definition, Alarm Clock, Operant Conditioning

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Social Sciences
• Course: SOCSCI 2UA3
• Professor: Brian Mason

Document Summary

Therefore, we want a very good operational definition so that we can count it or identify when it occurs. Behaviour analysts are not concerned about appearance or personality traits because they are not measurable. Why would we ever take into consideration from a behaviour point of view: you want to make sure it is socially valid for the individual. Behaviours are precisely defined with a clear beginning and end. Jenny is withdrawn; jenny is crying (you can see this) She is often angry with peers and will hit them, or run away from them. For a good operational definition, very clearly state what you want to reduce, and what you want to improve. Altering response pattern due to changes in environmental conditions. Learning = behaviour change (could be subtle, could be big) On the job behaviours that are as a result of training, modeling, coaching. Promoting learning by any or a combination of various means.