One of the arguments Skinner makes is that the reasons for behavior only matter before things change. People who are struggling with things in their lives often spend a great deal of time trying to analyze the reasons for their strugglesbut after things change, the reasons seem inaccurate or trivial. It has been argued that behavior modification is essentially manipulation, or even mind control. Skinner's response was that behavior modification allows people to control themselves as well (Skinner, 1976).

Provide an example of an out-of-control behavior with which you have had firsthand experience. Could behavior modification have helped? Why or why not? If you were struggling with an issue (such as weight loss), would you use a behavior modification program? Explain your position.