Overview of Behaviorism Theories

Nov 2, 2024

Lecture on Behaviorism

Introduction to Behaviorism

  • Originated in late 19th century Russia.
  • Key figure: Ivan Pavlov, known for experiments with dogs.

Classical Conditioning

  • Discovery by Ivan Pavlov
    • Pavlov observed that dogs salivated not only at food but also at stimuli associated with food, like a bell.
    • Experiment process:
      • Identified food as the unconditioned stimulus causing salivation.
      • Introduced a neutral stimulus (bell) alongside the food.
      • Eventually, the bell alone (conditioned stimulus) triggered salivation (conditioned response).
    • Concept: Learning process where an unconditioned stimulus is paired with a neutral stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.

John B. Watson and Behaviorism

  • American psychologist influenced by Pavlov.
  • Advocated for psychology as a science based on observable facts.
  • Belief: Human development determined by environment.
  • Famous for Little Albert Experiment
    • Conditioned 11-month-old Albert to fear white rats using loud noises.
    • Method: Loud noise (unconditioned stimulus) naturally caused crying (unconditioned response).
    • Rat became a conditioned stimulus, causing fear (conditioned response) in Albert.

B.F. Skinner and Operant Conditioning

  • Further developed behaviorism and introduced operant conditioning.
  • Famous for experiments with animals in the 'Skinner box'.
  • Concept: Behavior modification through reinforcement or punishment post-response.
    • In contrast to classical conditioning, it involves voluntary behavior changes.
    • Focuses on motivation and the impact of environment on behavior.

Differences Between Classical and Operant Conditioning

  • Classical Conditioning
    • Involves involuntary responses.
    • Changes timing of a natural response.
  • Operant Conditioning
    • Involves voluntary responses.
    • Employs reinforcement or punishment post-response to modify behavior.

Summary

  • Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors and the effects of environment on behavior.
  • Key figures: Ivan Pavlov, John B. Watson, and B.F. Skinner.
  • Concepts: Classical conditioning (involuntary responses) and operant conditioning (voluntary responses).