Module 3

Behaviorism

1. Behaviorism – Focuses on observable behavior and environmental stimuli.

2. Equipotentiality – Humans and animals learn in similar ways.

3. Stimulus-Response (S-R) Theory – Learning is based on external stimuli and responses.

4. Black Box Theory – Internal processes are not considered in behaviorism.

5. Tabula Rasa – Organisms are born as blank slates, with no innate behaviors.

Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)

6. Neutral Stimulus (NS) – A stimulus that initially elicits no response.

7. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) – A stimulus that naturally triggers a response.

8. Unconditioned Response (UCR) – A natural, automatic reaction to UCS.

9. Conditioned Stimulus (CS) – A previously neutral stimulus that triggers a response after association.

10. Conditioned Response (CR) – A learned response to a CS.

Common Phenomena in Classical Conditioning

11. Associative Bias – Some stimuli are more likely to be associated than others.

12. Contingency – The CS must reliably predict the UCS.

13. Extinction – Gradual weakening of the conditioned response when the CS is presented without the UCS.

14. Spontaneous Recovery – Reappearance of a CR after extinction and a rest period.

15. Generalization – Responding similarly to different but related stimuli.

16. Stimulus Discrimination – Learning to respond to one stimulus but not to similar stimuli.

17. Higher-Order Conditioning – A neutral stimulus becomes a CS by being paired with an existing CS.

18. Little Albert Experiment – Demonstrated how fear can be classically conditioned.

Eliminating Unproductive Classically Conditioned Responses

19. Counterconditioning – Replacing an unwanted CR with a new response.

20. Systematic Desensitization – Gradual exposure to feared stimuli while practicing relaxation.

Operant Conditioning (Skinner & Thorndike)

21. Edward Thorndike’s Puzzle Box – Demonstrated trial-and-error learning in cats.

22. Law of Effect – Behaviors followed by satisfaction are strengthened; those followed by discomfort are weakened.

23. Revised Law of Effect – Rewards strengthen behavior, but punishment has an indirect effect.

24. B.F. Skinner’s Operant Conditioning – Behavior is shaped by reinforcement or punishment.

25. Skinner Box – A controlled environment to study operant conditioning.

Important Concepts in Operant Conditioning

26. Reinforcer – A stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior.

27. Reinforcement – The process of increasing behavior by following it with a reinforcer.

28. Positive Reinforcement – Adding a pleasant stimulus to strengthen behavior.

29. Negative Reinforcement – Removing an aversive stimulus to strengthen behavior.

30. Punishment – A consequence that decreases the frequency of a behavior.

31. Punishment I (Positive Punishment) – Adding an aversive stimulus to reduce behavior.

32. Punishment II (Negative Punishment) – Removing a pleasant stimulus to reduce behavior.

33. Superstitious Behavior – Accidental reinforcement of random behaviors.

34. Shaping – Reinforcing successive approximations of a desired behavior.

35. Chaining – Teaching complex behaviors step-by-step.

Reinforcement Schedules

36. Continuous Reinforcement – Reinforcing every correct response.

37. Intermittent Reinforcement – Reinforcing only some responses.

38. Fixed Interval (FI) Schedule – Reinforcement after a set period.

39. Variable Interval (VI) Schedule – Reinforcement after unpredictable time intervals.

40. Fixed Ratio (FR) Schedule – Reinforcement after a set number of responses.

41. Variable Ratio (VR) Schedule – Reinforcement after a varying number of responses.

42. Differential Reinforcement – Reinforcing specific response rates.

43. DRH (Differential Rate of High Responding) – Reinforcement for high rates of responding.

44. DRL (Differential Rate of Low Responding) – Reinforcement for low rates of responding.

Effects of Antecedent Stimuli in Operant Conditioning

45. Cueing (Prompting) – Using additional stimuli to signal behavior.

46. Discriminative Stimuli – Signals that a response will be reinforced.

47. Stimulus Control – When behavior is influenced by certain stimuli.

48. Setting Events – Environmental conditions that affect behavior.

49. Behavioral Momentum – When similar behaviors increase the likelihood of desired behavior.

50. Generalization – Responding the same way in different situations.

51. Stimulus Discrimination – Learning that behavior is reinforced in one situation but not another.

Avoidance Learning

52. Active Avoidance Learning – Taking action to prevent an aversive stimulus.

53. Passive Avoidance Learning – Avoiding an aversive stimulus by not doing something.

Punishment

54. Instrumental Conditioning – Includes both reinforcement and punishment.

55. Verbal Reprimands – Scolding as a mild form of punishment.

56. Restitution – Restoring the environment after misbehavior.

57. Overcorrection – Exceeding simple restitution by making things better.

58. Time-Out – Temporarily removing reinforcement.

59. In-House Suspension – Removing students from normal activities but keeping them engaged in learning.

60. Response Cost – Withdrawing a previously earned reinforcer (e.g., fines).

Ineffective Forms of Punishment

61. Physical Punishment – Can lead to aggression and fear.

62. Psychological Punishment – Damaging self-esteem through humiliation.

63. Extra Classwork – Assigning more work as a punishment.

64. Out-of-School Suspension – Often ineffective in behavior modification.

65. Missing Recess – Can reduce concentration and productivity.

Cognition and Motivation in Behaviorist Theories

66. Contrast Effects – Changes in reinforcement alter motivation.

67. Elation Effect – Increased reinforcement leads to increased performance.

68. Depression Effect – Decreased reinforcement leads to reduced performance.

Applications of Behaviorism in the Classroom

69. Backward Design – Planning instruction by starting with learning goals.

70. Formative Assessment – Ongoing assessment to monitor learning.

71. Summative Assessment – Final evaluation at the end of instruction.

72. High-Stakes Tests – Summative tests affecting promotions and funding.

Behaviorist Teaching Strategies

73. Active Responding – Engaging students through participation.

74. Terminal Behavior – Clearly defined learning outcomes.

75. Programmed Instruction – Step-by-step learning with reinforcement.

76. Mastery Learning – Ensuring students master each unit before progressing.

77. Shaping in Instruction – Gradual reinforcement of more complex responses.

Strategies for Decreasing Undesirable Behaviors

78. Extinction – Ensuring a behavior is no longer reinforced.

79. Noncontingent Reinforcement – Giving rewards independently of behavior.

80. Differential Reinforcement – Reinforcing alternative behaviors.

81. Using Punishment Wisely – Applying punishment carefully to avoid negative effects.

Implications of Behaviorism in Education

82. Active Learning – Learning through doing, not just passive listening.

83. Terminal Behavior in Instruction – Clearly defined objectives improve learning.

84. Mastery Learning Components – Small units, logical sequence, mastery criteria, remediation.

85. Backward Design in Assessment – Planning assessments before instruction.

86. Behaviorism for Special Education – Useful for students with developmental delays and behavior issues.