Basic Processes of Behavior.pptx....hhgf

Behavioral science

1. Basic Processes of Behavior Dr. Wasonga

2. Introduction Behaviour is how someone acts or conducts oneself. It is what a person does to make something happen, to make something change or to keep things the same. Behaviour is a response to things that are happening: Internally: - thoughts and feelings. Externally: - the environment, including other people.

3. The basic processes of behavior include: 1. Reflexes A reflex is an involuntary and nearly instantaneous movement in response to a stimulus The reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus that does not receive or need conscious thought as it occurs through a reflex arc. Reflex arcs act on an impulse before that impulse reaches the brain.   They are actions consisting of comparatively simple segments of behaviour that usually occur as direct and immediate responses to particular stimuli uniquely correlated with them.

4. What reflexes should be present in a newborn? Rooting reflex This reflex starts when the corner of the baby's mouth is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and root in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle to start feeding. This reflex lasts about 4 months. Suck reflex Rooting helps the baby get ready to suck. When the roof of the baby's mouth is touched, the baby will start to suck. This reflex doesn't start until about the 32nd week of pregnancy and is not fully developed until about 36 weeks. Premature babies may have a weak or immature sucking ability because of this. Because babies also have a hand-to-mouth reflex that goes with rooting and sucking, they may suck on their fingers or hands.

5. Moro reflex The Moro reflex is often called a startle reflex, this is because it usually occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. In response to the sound, the baby throws back his or her head, extends out his or her arms and legs, cries, then pulls the arms and legs back in. A baby's own cry can startle him or her and trigger this reflex. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 2 months old. Tonic neck reflex When a baby's head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends up at the elbow. This is often called the fencing position. This reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 7 months old.

6. Grasp reflex Stroking the palm of a baby's hand causes the baby to close his or her fingers in a grasp. The grasp reflex lasts until the baby is about 5 to 6 months old. A similar reflex in the toes lasts until 9 to 12 months. Stepping reflex This reflex is also called the walking or dance reflex because a baby appears to take steps or dance when held upright with his or her feet touching a solid surface. This reflex lasts about 2 months.

7. 2. Conditioning Conditioning is a form of learning in which either: a given stimulus (or signal) becomes increasingly effective in evoking a response or a response occurs with increasing regularity in a well-specified and stable environment.

8. Classical Conditioning Also referred to as respondent conditioning Learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a similar response. It is a behavioral procedure in which a biologically potent stimulus (e.g. food, a puff of air on the eye, a potential rival) is paired with a neutral stimulus (e.g. the sound of a musical triangle). The term  classical conditioning  refers to the process of an automatic, conditioned response that is paired with a specific stimulus.

9. Operant Conditioning Also referred to as instrumental conditioning Learning process where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcements or punishments).

10. 3. Reinforcement Reinforcement refers to anything that increases the likelihood that a response will occur. Psychologist B.F. Skinner coined the term in 1937. For example, reinforcement might involve presenting praise (a reinforcer) immediately after a child puts away their toys (the response). In behavioral psychology, reinforcement refers to consequences that increase the likelihood of an organism's future behavior, typically in the presence of a particular antecedent stimulus. An antecedent is a stimulus that cues an organism to perform a learned behavior. When an organism perceives an antecedent stimulus, it behaves in a way that maximizes reinforcing consequences and minimizes punishing consequences

11. Interpretation of Personality Traits and Behaviors Personality traits are characteristics and qualities that help define you as a unique individual. They’re often developed throughout life and may remain consistent across many situations and circumstances. Personality traits reflect people's characteristic patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Personality traits imply consistency and stability. To have a personality trait, individuals must be somewhat consistent across situations in their behaviours related to the trait. For example, if they are talkative at home, they tend also to be talkative at work. Individuals with a trait are also somewhat stable over time in behaviours related to the trait.

12. 1. Rationalization Definition : Defense mechanism where logical reasons are given to justify behavior that is actually driven by unconscious or irrational motives. Example : A student who blames a poor exam score on the teacher's unfair testing rather than their own lack of study. 2. Addictions Definition : Compulsive engagement in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Types : Substance addiction (e.g., drugs, alcohol) and behavioral addiction (e.g., gambling, internet use). Causes : Genetic predisposition, environmental factors, psychological factors (e.g., stress, trauma).

13. 3. Aggression Definition : Behavior intended to harm another individual. Types : Instrumental Aggression : Goal-oriented, means to an end. Hostile Aggression : Driven by anger, intent to cause pain. Factors Influencing Aggression : Biological : Genetics, brain structure, and function, hormones. Environmental : Upbringing, exposure to violence. Psychological : Frustration, cognitive biases

14. Strategies for Behavior Control and Self-Regulation Behavior Control Self-Monitoring : Keeping track of one’s behavior to increase awareness. Setting Goals : Clear, attainable goals provide direction and motivation. Self-Reinforcement : Rewarding oneself for achieving goals or exhibiting desired behavior. Modeling : Learning by observing and imitating others.

15. Strategies for Behavior Control and Self-Regulation Self-Regulation Cognitive Restructuring : Changing negative thought patterns to positive ones. Mindfulness and Meditation : Techniques to enhance self-awareness and reduce impulsivity. Time Management : Planning and organizing time to improve productivity and reduce stress. Stress Management Techniques : Such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and proper sleep. Problem-Solving Skills : Developing strategies to handle difficult situations effectively.

16. Theories and Concepts of Motivation

17. Theories and Concepts of Motivation

18. Theories and Concepts of Motivation

19. Physiological Basis of Motivation and Drive Homeostasis Definition : Maintenance of a stable internal environment. Role : Drives are often triggered by deviations from homeostasis (e.g., hunger when energy levels drop). Brain Structures Involved: Hypothalamus : Regulates basic drives (hunger, thirst, sex). Lateral Hypothalamus : Triggers hunger. Ventromedial Hypothalamus : Signals satiety. Limbic System : Involved in emotion and motivation. Amygdala : Processes emotional responses. Nucleus Accumbens : Involved in reward and pleasure.

20. Neurotransmitters and Hormones Dopamine : Associated with pleasure and reward. Serotonin : Regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. Endorphins : Reduce pain and increase pleasure. Leptin and Ghrelin : Hormones that regulate hunger and satiety. Leptin : Signals satiety. Ghrelin : Signals hunger.

21. Motivation in Relation to Health-Seeking Behaviors Motivation refers to a process of inducing and stimulating an individual to act in certain manner A  reason or reasons for acting or behaving in a particular way. Individuals generate motivational tendencies towards certain goals based upon certain personal or environmental factors. Among these tendencies, individuals make plans for salient ones which are most important for them. Those salient tendencies motivate individuals to take actions to achieve them W e use theories and models to motivate people to acquire certain behaviours

22. Health Belief Model (HBM)

23. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB)

24. Transtheoretical Model (Stages of Change)

25. Motivation and Health-Seeking Behavior Intrinsic Motivation : Health behaviors driven by personal interest or enjoyment (e.g., exercising because it feels good). Extrinsic Motivation : Health behaviors driven by external rewards or pressures (e.g., taking medication to comply with doctor’s orders). Barriers to Health-Seeking Behavior : Lack of motivation, perceived barriers, low self-efficacy, and environmental constraints can impede health-promoting actions