Behavioral Perspective of Personality

Introduction

• Each person is unique due to their experiences.
• Focus on 'behaviors' shaping personality.
• Behavioral perspective emphasizes interaction with the environment.

Behavioral Perspective (Behaviorism)

• Personality results from environmental interactions.
• Behaviors can be connected to incidents to predict personality.
• Influences include traumatic events, parental lessons, media, and relationships.

Conditioning Types in Behaviorism

• Classical Conditioning

  • Associating two unrelated stimuli.
  • Ivan Pavlov's Experiment: Dogs salivating at a metronome due to food association.
  • Little Albert Study by John B. Watson: Fear response to white rat due to loud noise association.

• Operant Conditioning

  • Uses rewards and punishments to shape behavior.
  • B.F. Skinner: Known for operant conditioning and experiments with pigeons and rats.
  • Skinner's Box: Rats learn to push a lever for food.

Types of Reinforcement and Punishment

1. Positive Reinforcement: Add something to increase behavior (e.g., giving a reward for good work).
2. Negative Reinforcement: Remove something to increase behavior (e.g., stopping a shock when a desired action is taken).
3. Positive Punishment: Add something to decrease behavior (e.g., issuing a speeding ticket).
4. Negative Punishment: Remove something to decrease behavior (e.g., taking away privileges).

Behavioral Perspective in Personality Psychology

• Personality can change daily through behavioral training.
• Offers hope for self-improvement in various traits.
• Limitations: Doesn't account for thoughts or emotions.

Conclusion

• Behaviorism is an important part of the personality puzzle.
• Reflect on daily habits and motivations.
• Explore more through additional resources and quizzes.