The Central Nervous System (CNS), which consists of the spinal cord and the brain, is crucial to how the body functions. The brain is an important segment of the CNS solely responsible for psychological functions and control. Notably, the psychological activities define human behavior. As such, the brain acts as the processor of behavior, and then other organs execute what it commands. Operant conditioning is a psychological learning process that dictates a person’s behavior, and it takes place on the meriting criterion of rewards and punishments. Usually, rewards are accorded to good behavior, and punishment is given to bad behavior. Therefore, operant conditioning uses a consequence-based model to dictate behavior by utilizing principles such as reinforcers, punishers, and extinction among others.
Creating a saving tendency is not something many people achieve easily. Indeed, it can take a while for a person to be able to save money without procrastinating, canceling or making excuses. Attaining this milestone requires a behavioral reform through operant conditioning (McSweeney & Murphy, 2014). The goal is to be able to save some money every month to buy a motorcycle to facilitate my transport. As such, I am supposed to save at least $150 every month for ten months after which the savings should accumulate to $1,500. Month after month, I will be able to develop a fixed ratio development, and subsequently, purchase a motorcycle whose price falls within my budget
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To achieve the goal, a behavioral plan that will lead to the development of a consistent saving culture has to be drafted and implemented. The first aspect of the plan is to understand the cash flow patterns and spending tendencies. Afterward, there will be a critical analysis of how the money is spent in a bid to identify bad spending behavior. By doing this, I will be able to understand my habits and reconstruct it in a way that is geared towards achieving the saving goal. Essentially, the ultimate plan is to change from being a spendthrift to an individual who is keen on saving.
Shaping is one of the concepts that are important in operant conditioning. This principle is undertaken at the immediacy of reinforcement, and it involves a training process of a new skill relevant to the behavioral plan. In terms of my plan, shaping can be applied in several ways to help accomplish my target, for instance, in cutting expenditure. Indeed, the occasional snacks I buy are not necessary and can be cut down. Therefore, I would train myself to forgo unnecessary snacks and stick to important meals. Apart from meals and consumables, shaping would also be applied in reducing the number of recreational activities like going to the movies.
Operant conditioning principles are crucial in attaining any behavioral reform (Staddon & Cerutti, 2003). By applying the principles, I would be able to understand my behavioral tendencies and readjust accordingly. Particularly, through reinforcers, I will have a clear picture of the consequences of not adjusting my behavior to achieve my plan. For instance, the thought of exclusively relying on public means for transport would act as a reinforcer in my behavioral plan. Thus, I would have more zeal to develop a saving behavior to avoid the discomfort and inconveniences of public transport. After saving for around five months, I would introduce variable interval reinforcement.
Punishers are other important aspects of operant conditioning, which refer to the undesired outcomes likely to reoccur if a specific behavior is not maintained. According to my plan, the unnecessary spending puts me at the jeopardy of gaining much weight, thus risking my safety in terms of health. To this end, if the behavioral plan is not adhered to completely, I am likely to face such consequences such as gaining weight. The concept of ‘extinction’ is also an important aspect of operant conditioning (Coon & Mitterer, 2016). For instance, after saving for a while, there may be temptations to relax or reduce the target initially set. Indeed, laxity may encroach and take over my whole plan thus rendering it extinct. Thus, the existence of the threat of ‘extinction,’ acts as a motivating factor for me to keep saving towards my goal.
Regarding primary reinforcers, my commuting convenience would be enhanced. It is stressful to have to adhere a fixed schedule every day since if one misses the bus or the train and they have to travel to a particular place, they have to incur the extra cost of a taxi. Therefore, at a personal level, comfort and convenience are important. I want to operate freely without worrying about schedules. This aspect would thus create an element of variable ratio reinforcement. In addition, the overall concept of having an idea and seeing it through is of great importance to me as it boosts my morale and esteem.
A secondary reinforcer would be my parents’ perception and view about me. They have always provided for my needs, something that I do not take for granted. However, I would want them to see and appreciate the mature and grown-up version of me so that they can change their perception of me just being their kid. Instead, they would view me as a person who understands the constructs and functioning of the society. This is an important reinforcer because I have always wanted to strengthen the bond I have with my parents from a perspective of independence, maturity, and reliability.
When using public means for transport, I spent an average of 40 minutes each day. However, by using a motorcycle, I intend to cut the time by at least half. As a result, it is highly likely I will have an extra 20 minutes in my everyday schedule. This time can be used for studying, or it can be dedicated to other important activities. In addition, by minimizing the snacks I consume, it would be easier for me to shed a few extra pounds. Specifically, by engaging in exercises and reducing my snack intake, I can shed one pound a month.
References
Coon, D., & Mitterer, J. O. (2016). Introduction to psychology : Gateways to mind and behavior (14th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Available from the bookstore. Chapter 6, "Conditioning and Learning." Human Development Theories | Transcript.
McSweeney, F. K., & Murphy, E. S. (2014). The Wiley-Blackwell handbook of operant and classical conditioning . Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.
Staddon, J. E. R., & Cerutti, D. T. (2003). Operant conditioning . Annual Review of Psychology, 54, 115–44.
