Neobehaviorism - Lesson 13

Edwin Ray Guthrie

Known For: One-Trial Learning Theory.

One-Trial Learning Theory

Learning occurs in one exposure (not repeated practice).

Law of Contiguity

Learning happens when a stimulus and response occur close in time.

Acts vs. Movements

Acts = complex behaviors, movements = simple responses.

Recency Principle

Behavior is repeated if it was the most recent successful action.

Principle of Association

Stimulus becomes a cue if it precedes behavior by less than 0.5 seconds.

Clark Leonard Hull

Known For: Drive Reduction Theory; Hypothetico-Deductive Model.

Drive Reduction Theory

Learning is based on habit formation via reinforcement.

Drive

Internal state triggered by need (e.g., hunger).

Reinforcement

Satisfaction of a drive; key to learning.

Habit Strength

How often a behavior has been reinforced.

Edward Tolman

Known For: Purposive Behaviorism.

Purposive Behaviorism

Behavior is goal-directed (not just stimulus-response).

Intervening Variables

Unseen processes (e.g., expectations) between stimulus and behavior.

Cognitive Maps

Mental representations animals form when navigating environments.

Vicarious Trial and Error

Animals consider options before acting.

B.F. Skinner

Known For: Radical Behaviorism, Operant Conditioning.

Operant Conditioning

Behavior modified by reinforcement or punishment.

Schedules of Reinforcement

Patterns that affect learning speed and strength.

Token Economies

Reward systems to modify behavior.

Neobehaviorism Ideology

Influenced by: Positivism and Logical Positivism.

Core Tenets of Neobehaviorism

Focus on observable behavior, scientific methods, and operational definitions.