Behaviorism Case Study

1. Is Haley's fear of men most likely due to classical or operant conditioning? Justify your response (yes, it will all be hypothetical as we do not have enough information in this case) using terminology, definitions, and examples.
- I think it is a classical condition because her sister might be afraid of men and that is why she has a fear. Her father also might not be around much and so she does not know how to act around a male figure or her parents might be divorced and they have a bad relationship with their father. All of these reasons would be classical because she is using the knowledge she knows of men to be scared.

2. How might you explain Meredith's aggressive behaviors from the perspective of operant conditioning?
- When animals want something they might fight for it, they are also aggressive and bite so she is using these examples to make her own actions. She also is not disciplined and so she can take advantage of anyone or anything she wants.

3. What strategies from Behavioral theory might a teacher use in working with Haley? Be specific and describe how each strategy could be used.
- Using positive and negative reinforcement to show her good and bad behavior. When she is acting up don't let her go see her sister help her find a new way to deal with the problem. You can also do this when her friend is gone. You can reward her with a token economy for good behavior and when she has a good day. When she has so many good days you can let her get a prize that is well deserved.

4. What strategies from Behavioral theory might a teacher use in working with Meredith? Be specific and describe how each strategy could be used.
- I also think she can use reinforcement. She will loose privileges when she acts violent or acts out in class. She also needs the support of her mom to help with this reinforcements.