Foundational Behaviorists

Edward Thorndike

the psychologist on who Skinner based his work; his research initially led to operant conditioning

What are Thorndike's three laws of learning?

Law of Effect
Law of Readiness
Law of Exercise

What is the Law of Exercise?

states that what is practiced gets tronger, whereas what is not practiced becomes weaker

What is the Law of Readiness?

states that learners will be resistant to learning before they are ready

What is the Law of Effect?

States that pleasant consequences lead to reptitive behavior, whereas unpleasant consequences extinguish behavior

John Watson

behaviorism; emphasis on external behaviors of people and their reactions on a given situation; famous for Little Albert study in which baby was taught to fear a white rat

Abraham Maslow

developed the hierarchy of needs, which he theorized to be the unconscious desires that motivate people

What is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs?

1. Physiological needs
2. Safety and Security needs
3. Love and Belonging Needs
4. Self esteem
5. Self actualization

B.F. Skinner

Behaviorist that developed the theory of operant conditioning by training pigeons and rats

What is operant conditioning?

a type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher

Erik Erikson

psychologist who expanded on Sigmund Freud's ideas; 8 psychosocial stages of development: theory shows how people evolve through the life span. Each stage is marked by a psychological crisis that involves confronting "Who am I?"

What are Erikson's 8 psychosocial stages of development?

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (0 - 18 months)
2. Autonomy vs. Shame (18 - 36 months)
3. Initiative vs. Guilt (3 - 5 years)
4. Industry vs. Inferiority (5 - 12 years)
5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 - 18 years)
6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (18 - 40 years)
7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (40 - 65 years)
8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)

Stage 1 - What is Trust vs. Mistrust (0 - 18 months)?

Infants learn how to trust themselves and others based on the response of caregivers to their cries.

Stage 2 - What is Autonomy vs. Shame (18 - 36 months)?

Self-control and independence come from the ability to be independennt within a structured environment.

Stage 3 - What is Initiative vs. Guilt (3 - 5 years)?

Children are exposed to peer relationships and begin to develop personality traits, such as independence and leadership.

Stage 4 - What is Industry vs. Inferiority (5 - 12 years)?

Children are in school and are exposed to new materials, new people, and new experiences.

Stage 5 - What is Identity vs. Role Confusion (12 - 18 years)?

Children make frequent identity changes as they attempt to "find themselves."

Stage 6 - What is Intimacy vs. Isolation (18 - 40 years)?

Successful completion results in love while failure to commit may result in depression.

Stage 7 - What is Generativity vs. Stagnation (40 - 65 years)?

Successful careers, family, and community involvement results in care and failure, stagnation.

Stage 8 - What is Ego Integrity vs. Despair (65+ years)?

When reflecting on life, individuals will feel wise and face death without fear.