Which Of The Following Is An Acceptable Target Behavior

Which of the Following is an Acceptable Target Behavior? Defining and Achieving Measurable Goals

Defining "acceptable" target behavior is crucial for effective behavior modification, whether in personal development, organizational management, or therapeutic settings. The term itself implies a standard against which behavior is judged, a benchmark that distinguishes desirable actions from undesirable ones. This article delves deep into understanding acceptable target behaviors, exploring the key criteria for defining them, the process of selecting appropriate targets, and strategies for effectively achieving them. We'll also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and illustrate the concept with practical examples.

Understanding the Concept of Target Behavior

Before identifying what constitutes an "acceptable" target behavior, we must first understand the core concept of target behavior itself. Simply put, a target behavior is a specific, observable action that you want to increase, decrease, or maintain. It's the measurable, concrete goal you aim to achieve through your behavior modification efforts. The term "target" emphasizes the focused nature of the intervention; it's not a vague aspiration but a clearly defined, attainable objective.

Key Characteristics of a Well-Defined Target Behavior:

• Observable: The behavior must be readily visible and measurable. Instead of aiming for "improved mood," a better target might be "smiling at least three times per hour."
• Measurable: You must be able to quantify the behavior. How often does it occur? How long does it last? How intense is it? Clear metrics are essential for tracking progress.
• Specific: Avoid ambiguity. "Being more organized" is vague. A specific target might be "clearing my desk before leaving work each day."
• Attainable: The target behavior should be realistic and achievable given the individual's current capabilities and resources. Setting overly ambitious goals can lead to discouragement and failure.
• Relevant: The target behavior should be relevant to the overall goal. It should directly contribute to the desired outcome.

Criteria for an "Acceptable" Target Behavior

What makes a target behavior "acceptable"? This depends heavily on the context. However, several general criteria apply across diverse settings:

• Ethical Considerations: The target behavior should not violate ethical principles or harm others. For instance, promoting aggression or dishonesty would be unacceptable.
• Socially Appropriate: The behavior should align with societal norms and expectations. While challenging societal norms can sometimes be positive, the target behavior should be grounded in a responsible and respectful framework.
• Legally Compliant: The target behavior must not break any laws or regulations.
• Personally Meaningful: The target behavior should be personally relevant and motivating to the individual involved. This is crucial for sustained commitment and success.
• Culturally Sensitive: In diverse settings, considerations of cultural norms and values are critical in defining acceptable target behaviors. What is acceptable in one culture might not be in another.
• Health and Safety: The target behavior should not pose a risk to the physical or mental health of the individual or others.
• Sustainable: The target behavior should be achievable and maintainable over the long term.

Examples of Acceptable and Unacceptable Target Behaviors

Let's illustrate this with examples:

Acceptable Target Behaviors:

• Improved Time Management: Instead of a vague goal, a specific acceptable target might be "completing all assigned tasks by the end of the workday for three consecutive weeks." This is observable, measurable, specific, attainable (with proper planning), relevant, and sustainable.
• Increased Physical Activity: "Walking for 30 minutes, three times a week" is acceptable because it's measurable, attainable, and promotes health and well-being.
• Enhanced Communication Skills: "Actively listening to colleagues and asking clarifying questions during meetings" is an acceptable target that promotes positive workplace interactions.
• Reduced Procrastination: "Completing the top three priority tasks before lunch each day" is a specific and measurable target behavior that addresses procrastination effectively.

Unacceptable Target Behaviors:

• Manipulating Others: Trying to manipulate people into getting what you want is ethically unacceptable and can damage relationships.
• Breaking the Law: Setting a target behavior that involves illegal activities is inherently unacceptable.
• Self-Harm: Targeting behaviors that result in self-harm, whether physical or psychological, are unacceptable and require immediate professional intervention.
• Harassing Others: Any behavior that involves harassment, intimidation, or bullying is completely unacceptable.

The Process of Selecting Appropriate Target Behaviors

Choosing the right target behavior is a crucial step. Here's a systematic approach:

1. Identify the Problem: Clearly define the undesired behavior you want to change or the desired behavior you want to acquire.
2. Brainstorm Potential Targets: Generate a list of possible target behaviors related to the problem.
3. Evaluate Each Target: Assess each potential target based on the criteria discussed above (observable, measurable, specific, attainable, relevant, ethical, etc.).
4. Prioritize Targets: Rank the potential targets based on their importance and feasibility.
5. Set SMART Goals: Use the SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to refine your chosen target behaviors.
6. Develop a Plan: Create a detailed plan outlining the strategies and techniques you will use to achieve your target behaviors.

Strategies for Achieving Target Behaviors

Achieving target behaviors often requires a multi-faceted approach. Some effective strategies include:

• Self-Monitoring: Track your progress regularly to identify patterns and adjust your strategies as needed.
• Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for making progress toward your goals.
• Negative Reinforcement: Remove unpleasant stimuli after achieving your target behavior.
• Punishment: Use punishment sparingly and only as a last resort. Focus primarily on positive reinforcement.
• Modeling: Observe and learn from others who have successfully achieved similar goals.
• Social Support: Enlist the help and encouragement of friends, family, or colleagues.
• Professional Help: Seek professional guidance from a therapist, coach, or other expert if needed.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Setting Unrealistic Goals: Overly ambitious goals can lead to frustration and failure.
• Lack of Specific Measurement: Without clear metrics, it's impossible to track progress effectively.
• Ignoring Ethical Considerations: Always prioritize ethical behavior.
• Neglecting Personal Resources: Ensure you have the necessary resources (time, support, etc.) to achieve your goals.
• Lack of Consistent Effort: Achieving target behaviors requires sustained effort and commitment.

Conclusion

Defining and achieving acceptable target behaviors is a fundamental aspect of personal growth, organizational effectiveness, and therapeutic interventions. By carefully selecting measurable, attainable, relevant, ethical, and sustainable targets, and by employing effective strategies, individuals and organizations can achieve significant positive change. Remember to prioritize ethical considerations, engage in self-monitoring, and seek professional guidance when needed. With consistent effort and the right approach, the journey toward achieving acceptable target behaviors can be both rewarding and transformative.