What examples of positive and negative reinforcement and punishment do you notice? What schedule of reinforcement is being used?
Firstly, Sheldon tries to argue with Penny. However, this negative method has no results, and he decides to give her chocolates as positive reinforcement for what he considered good behavior. This method is often used with dogs and it really works. When Leonard notices that, he wants Sheldon to stop making experiment with his girlfriend. As a result, the other negative reinforcement is used by Sheldon- he sprays water into Leonard’s face. Finally, Sheldon understand, that the best positive reinforcement is sex, as Penny could easily modify Leonard’s behavior with it.
Will Penny’s changes last?
Her behavior changes a bit, she becomes easily controlled. Although, she stayed herself and left the flat with her boyfriend. I suppose, if this kind of reinforcement had been used longer, the results will have been more stable.
Why does Leonard object? Is his objection reasonable?
As I can see it, he objects, because he does not want Penny to change, he loves her just the way she is. Moreover, he does not want Sheldon to manipulate her, this is why he forbids Sheldon to behave this way. In my opinion, the objection is reasonable.
What are some pros and cons of this treatment approach? Is the patient “cured”?
The method is quite ambiguous. Firstly, it seems impossible to get rid of the fear in 3 hours. The patient meets her fear and has nothing else, but to fight it. The more time she spends with the snake, the more she likes it, gives it the name and even holds it. It is definitely an advantage of the method, that she has been cured. The other advantage was the man, the trainer, who was very calm and patient. He made the client feel safe. From my point of view, although the 80% of the control groups were cured, the disadvantage is the small amount of time and very stressful conditions.
What psychological processes discussed in the textbook do you notice?
Firstly, there was a fear and later the process of acceptance.
Some of the concepts discussed in the video are more advanced than what is covered in Intro Psych. Are there any concepts you would like me to explain or describe in more detail?
In the video the thunder phobia was mentioned. I am interested, how could this fear be cured by the method used in the video.
