Theories of Development (Behavioral Theory)

Background

Behavioral Theory: John B Watson

child is blank slate (experiences and environment shape them)

Classical Conditioning: Ivan Pavlov

Operant Conditioning: Skinner

Classical Conditioning (learning mechanism

• Learning Mechanism: Associating two stimuli so that a previously neutral stimulus elicits a conditioned response

• Timing of Learning: Learning occurs before the conditioned response, through repeated pairing of stimuli. The association can be learned even before the conditioned response is visibly demonstrated.

Operant Conditioning

• Learning Mechanism: Associating a behavior with its consequences (reinforcement or punishment), which increases or decreases the likelihood of that behavior occurring again.

• Timing of Learning: Learning occurs after the behavior, when its consequences influence the likelihood of future behavior.

Reinforcement Schedule Types

Continuous

Intermittent (Interval and Ratio)

Continuous Reinforcement

Behavior always followed but consequence/reinforcement

Intermittent Schedule - Interval

Reinforcement given based on passage of time

Intermittent Schedule - Ratio

Reinforcement given based on amount of responses

Fixed Ratio

Reinforcement given after a fixed and stable number of responses

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement given after a fixed and stable amount of time

Variable Ratio

Reinforcement given after varying number of responses

Variable Interval

Reinforcement given after varying amounts of time

Positive Reinforcement

Increasing positive (pleasant) stimulus to increase behavior

Negative Reinforcement

Subtracting unpleasant (aversive) stimulus to increase behavior

Response Cost

Subtracting positive stimulus to decrease response

Extinction

no longer reinforcing response (positive or negative) to weaken the frequency of he response

Extinction Burst

Behavior is increased when reinforcement stops (tantrum)