Behaviorism Lectures: EDHD200-0201,0301: Paradigms and Perspectives in Human Development-Spring 2026 eneer

What is Behaviorism?

A psychological approach that emphasizes observable behaviors over internal mental states.

Key proponent of Behaviorism?

B.F. Skinner, known for his work on operant conditioning.

What is Classical Conditioning?

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus.

Pavlov's experiment involved which animal?

Dogs.

Define Operant Conditioning.

A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior.

What is a reinforcer?

Any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

What is a punisher?

A stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.

Name one type of reinforcer.

Positive reinforcer such as food or praise.

Define Behavior Modification.

The use of operant conditioning techniques to bring about desired changes in behavior.

What is shaping in Behaviorism?

Gradually guiding behavior toward a desired target behavior through reinforcement.

What is the 'Little Albert' experiment?

A study by Watson demonstrating that emotional responses can be conditioned.

What is observational learning?

Learning that occurs through observing the behavior of others.

Who is associated with the Social Learning Theory?

Albert Bandura.

What is the Bobo Doll Experiment?

An experiment that demonstrated children learn behaviors through imitation.

Define 'extinction' in a behavioral context.

The process by which a conditioned response diminishes when a reinforcer is removed.

What is generalization in behaviorism?

The tendency to respond to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

What is discrimination in behaviorism?

The ability to differentiate between similar stimuli and respond only to the conditioned stimulus.

What is token economy?

A system of behavior modification based on the systematic reinforcement of target behavior.

What is the role of the environment in Behaviorism?

The environment is crucial in shaping behavior through reinforcement and punishment.

What is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?

A therapeutic approach that combines cognitive and behavioral techniques.

Define latent learning.

Learning that occurs without reinforcement and is not immediately reflected in behavior.

What is the importance of behaviorism in education?

It emphasizes the importance of reinforcement and structured learning environments.

What are conditioned and unconditioned responses?

Conditioned responses are learned responses, while unconditioned responses are natural reactions.

Who developed the concept of the 'unconditioned stimulus'?

Ivan Pavlov.

What does 'schedules of reinforcement' refer to?

The rules that determine how and when reinforcement is delivered.

Define 'vicarious reinforcement'.

Reinforcement that occurs when an individual observes another being reinforced.

What is a behavior chain?

A series of behaviors that lead to a reinforcing outcome.