What Is A Target Behavior

What is a Target Behavior? A Comprehensive Guide for Understanding and Modifying Behavior

Understanding target behaviors is crucial in various fields, from education and parenting to clinical psychology and animal training. This comprehensive guide will delve into the definition of a target behavior, exploring its significance, how to identify and define it effectively, and practical strategies for modifying it. Whether you're a teacher aiming to improve classroom behavior, a parent seeking to address a child's challenging behavior, or a professional working in behavior modification, this article will provide you with a solid foundation. We'll cover everything from the basics of behavioral analysis to advanced techniques for shaping and changing target behaviors.

What Exactly is a Target Behavior?

A target behavior is any specific, observable action or response that a person or animal is trying to increase or decrease. It’s the specific behavior that is the focus of an intervention or training program. It's important to note that it’s not a feeling or internal state, but rather something that can be seen, heard, or measured. For example, "feeling anxious" isn't a target behavior, but "avoiding social situations" is. Similarly, “feeling sad” isn't a target behavior, but "withdrawing from activities" is. The key is observability and measurability.

Think of it like this: you have a goal (e.g., improved classroom participation, reduced aggression, increased self-care). The target behavior is the specific action that directly contributes to achieving that goal. It’s the bridge between the broad, overarching goal and the practical steps needed to reach it.

Why is Identifying a Target Behavior Important?

Identifying a target behavior is the first, and perhaps most crucial, step in any behavior modification program. Without a clearly defined target behavior, interventions are likely to be ineffective and progress difficult to measure. Here’s why it’s so important:

• Provides a Clear Focus: A well-defined target behavior keeps everyone involved – the individual, parents, teachers, therapists – on the same page. This ensures consistent effort and avoids confusion or misinterpretations.

• Enables Accurate Measurement: A specific target behavior allows for precise measurement of progress. This data is essential for tracking effectiveness, making adjustments to interventions, and demonstrating success.

• Facilitates Effective Intervention: Understanding the target behavior allows for the development of appropriate and targeted interventions. Knowing what behavior needs to be changed informs how to change it.

• Improves Communication: A clearly defined target behavior improves communication among all stakeholders. Everyone understands what is being worked on, how success is defined, and how progress is measured.

Identifying and Defining Target Behaviors: A Practical Approach

Defining a target behavior requires careful consideration and a systematic approach. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Identify the Problem or Goal: Begin by clearly articulating the problem or desired outcome. For instance, "improve classroom participation," "reduce aggression toward siblings," or "increase independent toileting."

2. Operationalize the Behavior: This is the key step. You need to describe the target behavior in concrete, observable terms. Avoid vague descriptions. Instead of "is disruptive," you might say "leaves seat without permission more than three times during a lesson." Instead of "is aggressive," you could specify "hits, kicks, or bites others." The more precise the description, the better.

3. Use Measurable Terms: Incorporate measurable elements into your definition. This allows for objective assessment of progress. Consider frequency (how often), duration (how long), intensity (how strong), and latency (how long it takes to initiate the behavior). For example, "completes homework assignments four out of five nights," or "remains seated for at least 15 minutes without interruption."

4. Consider the Context: Specify the context in which the behavior occurs. This helps understand the triggers and maintainance factors. For example, "yells at siblings when they take his toys," or "complains about homework only when tired."

5. Ensure Objectivity: The definition should be free from subjective interpretations. Focus on observable actions, not internal states or assumptions.

Examples of Well-Defined Target Behaviors:

• Instead of: "Is inattentive in class"

• Try: "Looks away from the teacher or materials for more than 30 seconds during a 15-minute lesson on 5 or more occasions per day."

• Instead of: "Is disrespectful to adults"

• Try: "Uses sarcastic or disrespectful language towards adults on at least 3 occasions per day."

• Instead of: "Doesn't complete chores"

• Try: "Fails to complete assigned chores (bed making, dish washing, etc.) on at least 2 out of 7 days per week."

Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) : Understanding the "Why"

While a precise definition is crucial, understanding why a target behavior occurs is equally important. This is where a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) comes in. An FBA involves systematically gathering information to determine the function (purpose) of the behavior. A behavior's function is the reason why it is happening. Common functions include:

• Attention: The behavior is performed to gain attention from others.
• Escape/Avoidance: The behavior is performed to avoid or escape an undesirable situation or task.
• Tangible: The behavior is performed to gain access to a desired item or activity.
• Sensory Stimulation: The behavior is performed to provide sensory input (e.g., self-stimulatory behaviors).

Understanding the function of a behavior helps tailor interventions. If the behavior is maintained by attention, interventions might focus on ignoring the behavior and providing positive attention for appropriate behaviors. If the behavior functions as escape, the intervention might involve modifying the task or providing breaks.

Strategies for Modifying Target Behaviors

Once the target behavior is clearly defined and its function understood, various strategies can be employed to modify it. These strategies often involve a combination of:

• Positive Reinforcement: Rewarding desired behaviors to increase their frequency. This involves identifying reinforcers (things the individual finds rewarding) and consistently providing reinforcement when the desired behavior occurs.

• Negative Reinforcement: Removing an aversive stimulus to increase the frequency of a desired behavior. For example, removing a chore after completing homework. Note that this differs from punishment.

• Extinction: Withholding reinforcement for an undesired behavior to decrease its frequency. This involves ignoring attention-seeking behaviors, for example.

• Punishment: Presenting an aversive stimulus or removing a positive stimulus to decrease the frequency of an undesired behavior. Punishment should be used cautiously and ethically, with careful consideration of its potential negative side effects.

• Shaping: Reinforcing successive approximations of the target behavior. This is useful for complex behaviors that cannot be performed immediately. For example, gradually increasing the duration of a child's independent playtime.

• Chaining: Teaching a complex behavior by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable steps (task analysis) and reinforcing each step. This is often used in skill acquisition.

• Modeling: Demonstrating the desired behavior to facilitate learning.

• Prompting: Providing cues or assistance to help the individual perform the desired behavior.

The Importance of Data Collection and Monitoring

Throughout the behavior modification process, meticulous data collection is crucial. This involves systematically recording the occurrence of the target behavior, noting frequency, duration, intensity, and context. This data provides objective evidence of progress and allows for adjustments to the intervention plan as needed. Graphing the data can visually represent progress, and it motivates the individual and those assisting them.

Ethical Considerations in Behavior Modification

It's essential to consider ethical implications throughout the behavior modification process. Interventions should be respectful of the individual's rights and dignity. The use of aversive procedures should be minimized and only implemented under the guidance of qualified professionals with appropriate ethical considerations. Informed consent is crucial, especially when working with individuals who are unable to provide consent for themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use this information to modify my pet's behavior?

A: Yes, the principles of identifying and modifying target behaviors apply to animals as well. However, animal training often requires specialized knowledge and techniques. Seek guidance from a certified professional animal trainer if needed.

Q: What if the target behavior is complex or multifaceted?

A: Break down the complex behavior into smaller, more manageable components. Identify each component as a separate target behavior and address them individually.

Q: What if the target behavior doesn't change despite interventions?

A: Re-evaluate the definition of the target behavior, its function, and the intervention strategies. Consider consulting with a professional for further assessment and guidance. It may be that the initial assessment was inaccurate or that a more intensive intervention is needed. A different approach might be warranted.

Q: How long does it usually take to modify a target behavior?

A: The time required varies greatly depending on the complexity of the behavior, the individual's characteristics, and the effectiveness of the intervention. Consistency and patience are key.

Conclusion: A Journey Towards Positive Change

Modifying target behaviors requires a systematic and thoughtful approach. By carefully defining the target behavior, understanding its function, and employing appropriate intervention strategies, positive changes can be achieved. Remember that consistency, patience, and data-driven adjustments are key to success. While this guide provides a solid foundation, seeking professional guidance from qualified behavior analysts or therapists is recommended, especially when dealing with complex behaviors or individuals with specific needs. The journey towards positive change is often a collaborative effort, requiring understanding, patience, and a shared commitment to achieving the desired outcomes. The power lies not only in identifying the what but also in understanding the why of a behavior. Only then can truly effective, lasting change occur.