The Theory of Behaviorism

Behaviorism is the theory that human nature can be fully understood by the laws inherent in the natural environment.

In the mind of the behaviorist, persons are nothing more than simple mediators between behavior and the environment (Skinner, 1993, p 428).

Russian scientist, Pavlov:  Classical Conditioning (Beginnings of behavioral theory)

 

Pavlov spoke of an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) (food) eliciting an unconditioned response (UCR).

When a dog encounters food, saliva starts to pour from the salivary glands. This saliva is needed in order to make the food easier to swallow. The fluid also contains enzymes that break down certain compounds in the food.

Pavlov became interested in studying reflexes when he saw that the dogs drooled without the proper stimulus.

For example: every time the dogs were served food, the person who served the food was wearing a lab coat. Therefore, the dogs reacted as if food was on its way whenever they saw a lab coat. Although no food was in sight, their saliva still dribbled. It turned out that the dogs were reacting to lab coats. 

Generalization
– Respond same way to similar stimuli

 Ex: All bells elicit salivation.

 Discrimination
– Responding differently to different stimuli

 Ex: Salivation only with certain tones

Extinction
– Gradual disappearance of learned response

Ex: No salivation if repeatedly bell w/o food

B.F.Skinner:

Operant conditioning

Law of Effect (Thorndike)

– Behavior followed by favorable consequences become more likely

– Behaviors followed by unfavorable consequences become less likely

Operant Conditioning

– Type of learning in which behavior is strengthened if followed by reinforcement or diminished if followed by punishment

Reinforcement
– Anything that strengthens a desired behavior

– Behavior increases

Positive Reinforcement
 

– Anything that strengthens a desired behavior
– Behavior increases

Negative Reinforcement
– Anything added which strengthens a behavior
– Strengthen a behavior by removing aversive
stimulus


Punishment

 Anything that decreases behavior

 Type I (presentation)
– Presenting aversive stimulus to
decrease behavior (e.g., detention)

 Type II (removal)
– Removing pleasant stimulus to

decrease behavior (e.g., no TV)