MAS101 - Behaviorist Theories

behaviorism

whose principles of conditioning are based on the association of responses to stimuli. a theory of learning based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning.

our responses to environmental stimuli shape our behaviors

belief of behaviorists

Stimulus-Response Theory

Behaviorism is clearly explained by the ____________________________.

• a concept in psychology that refers to the belief that behavior manifests as a result of the interplay between stimulus and response

Pavlov’s Classical Conditioning, Skinner’s Operant Conditioning, and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory

The Three Most Popular Behaviorist Theories of Learning

Classical Conditioning Theory

theory by Ivan Pavlov which is also called Pavlovian or respondent conditioning; essence is learning through association. according to this theory, two stimuli are linked together to produce a new learned response in a person or animal, and behavior is learned by a repetitive association between the response and the stimulus. it happens unconsciously.

unconditioned stimulus, unconditioned response, neutral stimulus, conditioned stimulus, conditioned response

5 key elements of classical conditioning

Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)

one that unconditionally, naturally, and automatically triggers a response. In other words, the response takes place without any prior learning.

Unconditioned Response (UCR)

the unlearned response to a stimulus. In other words, it is any original response that occurs naturally and in the absence of conditioning (e.g., salivation in response to the presentation of food).

Neutral Stimulus (NS)

a learning that occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a stimulus that naturally produces a behavior.

Conditioned Stimulus (CS)

a previously neutral stimulus that, after becoming associated with the unconditioned stimulus, eventually comes to trigger a conditioned response. a learned substitute stimulus that triggers the same response as an unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response (CR)

learned response (reflexive behavior) to a conditioned stimulus (CS).

Operant Conditioning Theory

known as instrumental conditioning, is a method of learning normally attributed to B.F. Skinner who believed that humans and animals learn to behave in such a way as to obtain rewards and avoid punishments. basic concept behind operant conditioning is that a stimulus (antecedent) leads to a behavior, which then leads to a consequence.

Positive reinforcement

process that strengthens the likelihood of a particular response by adding a stimulus after the behavior

Negative reinforcement

strengthens the likelihood of a particular response, but by removing an undesirable consequence

Positive reinforcement

a reward for doing something well

Negative reinforcement

occurs when an aversive stimulus (a 'bad consequence') is removed after a good behavior is exhibited

Positive punishment

involves presenting an unfavorable outcome or event following an undesirable behavior, especially when the subject performs an unwanted action, then some type of negative outcome is purposefully applied

Negative punishment

has the goal of punishment which is to decrease unwanted behavior

Positive punishment

involves adding an aversive consequence after an undesired behavior is emitted to decrease future responses

Negative punishment

includes taking away a certain reinforcing item after the undesired behavior happens in order to decrease future responses

• Reinforcement (that makes use of a phenomenon in which a stimulus increases the chance of repetition of previous behavior is called reinforcement)

• punishment

• shaping

The Principles of Operant Conditioning

Social Learning Theory

proposed by Albert Bandura, emphasizes the importance of observing, modelling, and imitating the behaviors, attitudes, and emotional reactions of others. considers how both environmental and cognitive factors interact to influence human learning and behavior. proposes that individuals learn by observing the behaviors of others (models).

attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation

four steps of social learning theory