Lesson 4 (Functionalism)

Functionalism

Emerged as a response to structuralism focusing on the functions of mental process rather than their structure.

Structuralism

Seeks to break down mental processes into their component parts, much like how a chemist might analyze chemical compounds.

Functionalism

Focused on understanding the purpose or function of mental processes and behavior.

Edward Thorndike

Was an american psychologists born in 1874 known for his work in fields of comparative psychology and educational psychology.

Connectionism Theory

This theory proposes that learning occurs through the establishment of connections, or associations, between a stimulus and a response.

3 Laws of learning

Law of effect, Exercise, and Readiness

Law of effect

Responses that are followed by satisfying consequences become more likely to occur, while those followed by discomforting consequences becomes less likely.

Law of exercise

Connections between a stimulus and response are strengthened through practice or repetition

Law of Readiness

The learner’s readiness and motivation to respond play a crucial role in the learning process.

Operant Conditioning

Emphasizes the role of consequences in shaping behavior.

Skinner Box

A tool that was used by BF Skinner the proponent of Operant conditioning where the environment for studying an animal behavior is controlled and could manipulate variables such as rewards and punishments to observe their effects on behavior.

Positive Reinforcement

Skinner emphasized the use of rewards or praise to encourage desired behaviors.

Negative Reinforcement

This is the removal of an aversive stimulus that strengthens a behavior. This does not involve punishment. Instead, it involves the removal or avoidance of an unpleasant stimulus after a behavior, which also increases the probability of that behavior happening again.

Punishment

An aversive stimulus or the removal of a positive stimulus after a behavior, leading to a decrease in the likelihood of that behavior happening again.

Extinction

Involves the removal of reinforcement following a behavior, resulting in a decrease in the frequency of that behavior.

Continuous Reinforcement Schedule

Every occurrence of the behavior is reinforced.

Example: Giving a treat to a dog every time it sit on command

Fixed Ratio Reinforcement Schedule

Reinforcement is delivered after a fixed number of responses

Eg: A salesperson receiving a bonus for every 10 products sold.

Variable Ratio Reinforcement Schedule

Reinforcement is delivered after an average number of responses, but the exact number varies

Eg: Playing a slot machine where the payout occurs randomly after a certain number of pulls.

Fixed Interval

Reinforcement is delivered for the first response after a fixed time interval

eg: A student receiving a praise for studying for at least 30 minutes every hour

Variable Interval Reinforcement Schedule

Reinforcement is delivered for the first response after an average time interval, but the exact time varies

Eg: Checking email and finding important messages at varying times throughout the day.