Psychological Conditioning and Theories of Behavior

Introduction- In the field of psychology, behaviorism was one of the theoretical ideas that changed quite drastically during the 20th century. Behaviorism tried to diminish the emphasis on the conscious and unconscious parts of the mind, instead putting forward a new way to look at human behavior that is empirical (observed, quantified, and measured). Ivan Pavlov, for instance, was researching the digestive systems of dogs and led him to the discovery of classical condition, a way to modify behaviors using conditioned responses. Pavlovs views intrigued American John Watson, who pushed the idea forward in up through the 1950s. Building on these theories, but amending the model with the effects of punishment and reward, B.F. Skinners work had a revolutionary effect on behaviorism, now called operant conditioning (Shiraev, 2010, pp. 246-54). Learning Theory- Some say a logical reaction to Darwinism and the theory of natural selection, some say the logical offshoot of 19th century social science, learning theory became extremely importantly by the end of the 19th and beginning of the early 20th centuries. One of the central aspects of the continual debate on learning theory is the difference between empirical and theoretical learning. Empirical learning is a process that compares items (objects) and finds observable characteristics and similarities. Theoretical learning holds that the individual is supplied with environmental stimuli (instruction, for instance) and a set ofShow MoreRelatedWhy Do We Do Your Regular Schedules?1368 Words   |  6 Pagesthe right theory because I believe that everything a person does, why they think they way they do, why they do the things they do is because that’s how they were taught or trained to think or act. As children, we’re more perceptive and receptive than most people think, we lead by example and we reflect what we see from those around us, like a sort of mirror memory. Behaviorism is a theory in psychology and philosophy that emphasizes the outward behavioral aspects of thought. The theory is that humanRead MoreJohn B. Watson s Theory Of Psychology1048 Words   |  5 Pagesgreat American psychologist whose theories, publications, and experiments had an enduring influence on psychology. Possibly his biggest contributions to psychology were his theory of behaviorism and his experiment on Little Albert. Though Watson’s experiments were extremely unethical and behaviorism doesn’t account for biological psychology, Watson was an extremely remarkable psychologist because of his principal of behaviorism and his findings on classical conditioning. Background John Broadus WatsonRead MoreWatson, Skinner and Tolman Essay1627 Words   |  7 Pagesamong them based on their theories and perspectives. Each theory and concept is like steps on a ladder that define prior events that lead to current day theory known as modern day psychology. Respectfully John B. Watson is the founder of behaviorism and B.F. Skinner is the founder of radical behaviorism, but Edward Tolman marches to a different drum and is known for developing cognitive theory. Herein we will compare and contrast each theory and formulate how each theory is imperative in 2012.Read MoreThe Theory Of Behaviorism Operant Conditioning993 Words   |  4 Pagesbehaviorism Operant Conditioning. He would rather study observable behavior rather than internal mental events. He felt that was the best way to see how one may react to a particular stimuli and how one would handle the situation. Skinner believed that if a behavior is reinforced the behavior will continue. This had a two sid ed effect. If the bad behavior was reinforced the bad behavior would continue. Such as the good behavior, if it is reinforced and rewarded, the good behavior will continue. AlbertRead MoreEssay on The Comparison of Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner892 Words   |  4 Pagestendency to trace nearly all psychological problems back to sexual issues. Although only parts of his theory of psychosexual development are still accepted by mainstream psychologists, Freuds theory of the Oedipal Complex has become a cultural icon (Freud, Sigmund, 2012). Freud is known for developing the use of psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is based on the observation that people are often unaware of many of the things that determine their emotions and behavior. Psychoanalytic treatment demonstratesRead MoreDiverse Nature of Psychology Essay1150 Words   |  5 Pagesperspectives on psychology. For their different views on human behaviors, cognition, perception, or social or psychological factors that may hinder ones behaviors or thought process. Theorist and their own views, beliefs and perspectives on psychology is a prime example of diversity, because as we all know no two individuals thinks nor perceives things even psychology within the same manner. With all the diverse perspectives, elements, and theories within psychology, it makes it a challenge for researchersRead MoreBehaviorism s Theory Of Psychology983 Words   |  4 Pagesbehaviorism holds the subject matter of human psychology it focus on the behavior or activities of the human being . Etymology The word behaviorism originates from the Middle French word behavior, meaning the observable activity in human and animal. This term was coined in 1913 by the United States psychologist John B. Watson. Many of the concepts of analysis of behavior can be traced back to Pavlov. Pavlov focused on the behavior of animals. History of Behaviorism The history of behaviorism beganRead MoreThe Contribution of Different Approaches to Psychology for the Development of Modern Psychology1147 Words   |  5 Pages Psychology is a vast field which consists of theories and approaches where it involves certain assumptions on human behavior. How they function and the aspects of the behavior that needs to be studied, in addition to the research methods that are needed to be followed in order to understand it thoroughly. These approaches provide characteristic viewpoints and emphasize different factors. These approaches have contributed towards the development of modern psychology in various ways. Read MoreSituational Conditioning And Classical Conditioning1053 Words   |  5 PagesIn the world today, psychology plays a huge role. There are many psychological factors people use on a day to day basis. Many factors such as the way people act, talk, think, and go about their day have some form of psychological conditioning or theory. However, people are unaware of the factors they put in on a day to day basis. Psychologists have made it so that people can fully comprehend these theories. This paper will show how everyday scenarios in the educational field can be broken down andRead MoreBehaviorism : A Psychological Perspective1018 Words   |  5 PagesArthur Espinoza Professor McMahon Psychology 101 11/2/15 Behaviorism Behaviorism is a psychological perspective that focuses on an individual’s behavior. The main theorist behind this perspective was John Broadus Watson, who established the psychological school of behaviorism. Through his behaviorist views, he spectated the behavior of humans and animals when put into different situations. Watson published and article titled â€Å"Psychology as the Behaviorist Views it† where he explained his position