Behavioural Theories

Page 1: Introduction to Learning Theories

• Subject: Development and Learning Across the Lifespan

• Course Code: SLT402

• Institution: Wrexham University

Page 2: Concept of Development

• Overview: Learning theories propose that development results from an accumulation of experiences (Gross, 2020).

Page 3: Behaviourist Theory

• John Watson:

  • Known as the "father of behaviourism".

  • Emphasized that environment and experiences dictate personality and development (Liefer & Fleck, 2021).

  • Video Resource: Watson's Theories (Sprouts, 2020).

Page 4: Classical Conditioning

• Definition: The theory that behavior can be 'taught' using conditional stimuli (Boyd & Bee, 2019).

• Mechanism:

  • Involves pairing responses (physical or emotional) with environmental stimuli (Boyd & Bee, 2019).

• Importance: Investigates emotional responses and their impact on child development.

Page 5: Operant Conditioning

• Skinner's Contribution:

  • Built on Watson’s work to develop the concept of operant conditioning (Boyd & Bee, 2019).

• Definition: Describes how the frequency of a behavior increases or decreases based on positive or negative consequences (Boyd & Bee, 2014).

• Video Resource: Operant Conditioning.

Page 6: Types of Consequences in Operant Conditioning

• Reinforcement (Increases/Maintains behavior):

  • Positive: Add a pleasant stimulus.

  • Negative: Remove an aversive stimulus.

• Punishment (Decreases behavior):

  • Positive: Add an aversive stimulus.

  • Negative: Remove a pleasant stimulus.

Page 7: Social Learning Theory

• Concept: Behavior is learned through exposure and imitation (Liefer & Fleck, 2021).

Page 8: Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory

• Key Argument: Learning occurs without direct reinforcement through observation (Boyd & Bee, 2019).

• Bridging Theories: Combines behaviorist and cognitive learning theories (Gross, 2020).

• Video Resource: Bandura’s Bobo Doll Experiment.

Page 9: References

• Boyd, D.G. and Bee, H.L. (2014). The Developing Child. 13th ed. Harlow: Pearson.

• Boyd, D.R. and Bee, H.L. (2019), Lifespan development. Harlow, England: Pearson.

• Gross, R. (2020), Psychology. 1st ed. London: Hodder Education Group.

• Leifer, G., Fleck, E. (2022) Growth and Development Across the Lifespan. 3rd ed. Elsevier.

• YouTube Resources:

  • Skinner’s Operant Conditioning: Rewards & Punishments (Sprouts, 2020).

  • Watson's Theory of Behaviourism (Sprouts, 2020).

  • Social Learning Theory: Bandura’s Bobo Beatdown Experiments (Sprouts, 2022).