Behaviorism And Social learning
- Behaviorism: This is a field of study that focuses on explaining how we behave as we go about living in our various environments. Theorists in this field will explain such behaviors in terms of "stimulus" and " responses". Such theorists as Ivan Pavlov introduced the theory of classical conditioning. In his famous experiment with the salivating dogs associating food with a bell sound, he focused on using different kinds of stimuli to create an involuntary response.
It was through this theory that we are able to distinguish among what neutral stimuli, conditioned stimuli, unconditioned stimuli, unconditioned responses, and conditioned responses are.
As Pavlov wanted to assert that stimulus response was possible in animals, John Watson waned to prove that it was also achievable in humans. In his experiment with Little Albert, he conditioned an infant to develop a phobia of furry white animals as he paired a white rat with the loud bang of a steel rod when it was presented. At first, the child exhibited no fear in the animal, but as it was continuously associated with the loud bang, Albert developed a generalized phobia for white fury animals.
As Pavlov wanted to assert that stimulus response was possible in animals, John Watson waned to prove that it was also achievable in humans. In his experiment with Little Albert, he conditioned an infant to develop a phobia of furry white animals as he paired a white rat with the loud bang of a steel rod when it was presented. At first, the child exhibited no fear in the animal, but as it was continuously associated with the loud bang, Albert developed a generalized phobia for white fury animals.
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As theorists Pavlov and Watson created these experiments in classical conditioning, theorists such as B.F. Skinner were conducting experiments that lead to the development of operant conditioning. As apposed to focusing on involuntary responses as classical conditioning does, operant conditioning focused on our voluntary responses we get from the interactions from our external environment. In these experiments, terms such as punishment and reinforcement were used to influence, prevent, and ensure certain behaviors. Reinforcements will strengthen or increase the chance of a certain behaviors occurrence. A punishment will weaken the chance that a behavior will continue.
- Social Learning: This theory of learning evolved from behaviorism and focuses on the interactions between people and other people or groups. Julian Rotter, a social theorist, developed a theory that asserted that in order to understand a person's behavior, one must observe and understand their personality and environment they live in. In this theory, 4 elements are associated : Behavior potential, expectancy, reinforcement value, and psychological situation.
- How this information pertains to my developmental history by the fact that it gives me an idea on the different ways I was taught in early school years and by my parents. Before learning there were specific ways in evoking behaviors, I thought there was just random acts and unfair punishments to make me behave well. Now that I look back on these theories and strategies and now see that there was a plan behind it all and appreciate it more.
- How this knowledge will help me in my future career, will be how I can teach patients to act in a way that will be beneficial to their health. Not all patients will be so willing to do what health instructors say, so with some of these learning theories and behavioral strategies to try and promote more desirable behaviors in maintaining better health for them.