Case Study Learning and Memory

Unit 4 Assignment Case Study Transcripts

Case 1: The Case of Bobby

This is Bobby. He is 8 years old. Despite the fact that he is reminded frequently to clean up, his

room is always in a state of disarray. His father would like to increase the frequency of Bobby

cleaning his room. You are a behavior analyst and you put together a behavior modification

program for Mr. Kelly to use that will address the problem and incorporates operant conditioning.

Case 2: The Case of Jackie

Meet Jackie. She has a phobia of dogs that she has had since she was 3 years old. When Jackie

was 3, she was playing in her yard and a neighbor’s dog came up to her and bit her hand. Jackie

had to go to the doctor and get stiches. Even though she is now 23 years old, she still remembers

every detail and has an intense phobic reaction around dogs. Her heart beats really fast and she

feels sick to her stomach. She would just continue to avoid dogs but she will soon be getting

married to a dog trainer so she needs to overcome her phobia of dogs. Jackie is coming to you, a

behavior analyst, for help so she can marry her fiancé and live happily ever after.

Case 3: The Case of Emma

This is 4-year-old Emma. She loves to play with her toys, but she refuses to clean them up when she

is asked. Her parents have tried hard to teach her to clean her room. They have offered her

rewards. They also have put her in time out when she would not listen but nothing has worked.

Instead of cleaning, Emma gets mad and throws a big tantrum. She cries and screams. She

sometimes even throws her toys and makes a bigger mess. She does this until her parents decide

to pick her up and to clean up for her. You are a behavior analyst who will help Emma’s parents

get a handle on this behavior while she is still a little girl.