Which term is used to describe a set of procedures that apply learning principles to decrease or increase behavior?

Which term is used to describe a set of procedures that apply learning principles to decrease or increase behavior?

• A. Behavior Modification
• B. Replacement Activity
• C. Disinhibition
• D. Instrumental

Answer: (A)

Behavior modification describes a structured approach that uses learning principles to change behavior by decreasing undesirable actions and increasing desirable ones. It focuses on a defined set of procedures—like reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and shaping—applied consistently to produce systematic, measurable change. The term captures the whole program of techniques used to modify behavior based on how learning works. The other terms refer to parts or related ideas but don’t convey the complete, organized method: a replacement activity is a specific strategy to substitute another behavior; disinhibition is about a reduction of restraint rather than a coordinated set of procedures; instrumental (or operant) conditioning describes the learning process itself, not the full applied program used to modify behavior.

Behavior modification describes a structured approach that uses learning principles to change behavior by decreasing undesirable actions and increasing desirable ones. It focuses on a defined set of procedures—like reinforcement, punishment, extinction, and shaping—applied consistently to produce systematic, measurable change. The term captures the whole program of techniques used to modify behavior based on how learning works. The other terms refer to parts or related ideas but don’t convey the complete, organized method: a replacement activity is a specific strategy to substitute another behavior; disinhibition is about a reduction of restraint rather than a coordinated set of procedures; instrumental (or operant) conditioning describes the learning process itself, not the full applied program used to modify behavior.