Behavior modification is a type of consensual domination practice that involves changing undesired behaviors into more desirable ones by using reinforcement or punishment. For example, a Dominant would use behavior modification techniques to encourage a submissive to use proper titles (like Sir or Madam) at all times.
Behavior modification works on the principles of behavioral theories in psychology. According to these theories, it is possible to modify behavior using a certain set of actions--reinforcement or punishment.
Both reinforcement and punishment can be positive or negative, but not in the sense of "good" or "bad." Positive means adding something (liking giving a reward or a punishment) or removing something (like lowering the severity of a punishment, or removing a privilege).
Of course, the rewards and punishments must be suitable to the behavior to modify as well as the person receiving them. Using pain on a masochist is a bad idea for a punishment, since pain is actually a turn on for them.
