For this discussion, please choose one of the two options: behaviorism or cognitivism. Taking on the role of either a behaviorist or a cognitivist, you will demonstrate your understanding of your chosen psychological view by explaining why your theory and its history are important for others to understand and apply
QUESTION
For this discussion, please choose one of the two options: behaviorism or cognitivism. Taking on the role of either a behaviorist or a cognitivist, you will demonstrate your understanding of your chosen psychological view by explaining why your theory and its history are important for others to understand and apply.
- Based on your own experiences, the resources listed above, and the scholarly article from the Ashford University Library you locate, analyze how learning and theory apply in real-life situations by listing the pros and cons of each.
- Provide evidence for your stance from your resources.
- Please describe two real-life scenarios you have experienced and explain how you applied these psychological principles to the personal, social, or educational issues you mention. Please do not share anything that you would be uncomfortable discussing in a public forum.
- Based on the camp you chose, continue to answer the following:
Additional behaviorist questions to consider:
- Do you agree with the behaviorist view that learning can be described simply in terms of stimulus-response relationships?
- Do you agree with the behaviorist view that learning only occurs if there is an outward manifestation? Why, or why not?
- What are the potential advantages of defining learning as a change in behavior when considering your own career (or future career) and/or in your relationships?
Additional cognitivist questions to consider:
- Do you agree with the cognitivist view that thinking is not a behavior but actually creates important implications affecting behavior
- Why do cognitivists disagree with the behaviorist view that learning only occurs if there is an outward manifestation? What are the implications to the behavior(s) it identifies?
- Cognitivism suggests that what we know to be true affects our behaviors and how we learn, What implications might this have in your own career (or future career) and/or in your relationships?
ANSWER
Understanding Behaviorism: Exploring the Importance and Applications of a Behaviorist Perspective
I will choose the behaviorist perspective for this discussion.
As a behaviorist, I believe that behavior can be explained in terms of stimulus-response relationships, and learning can be described as a change in behavior. Behaviorism is important for others to understand and apply because it provides a systematic approach to understanding and modifying behavior. By focusing on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them, behaviorism offers practical strategies for behavior change in various domains such as education, therapy, and even personal development.
One of the key strengths of behaviorism is its emphasis on objectivity and empirical evidence. Behaviorists believe that behavior can be studied scientifically by observing and measuring it, which allows for the development of evidence-based interventions. This approach has been particularly influential in areas such as applied behavior analysis, where it has proven effective in addressing behavioral issues in individuals with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities (Matson & Vollmer, 2015).
Another advantage of behaviorism is its emphasis on the role of reinforcement and punishment in learning. By manipulating the consequences of behavior, behaviorists can shape and modify behavior effectively (Kurt, 2022). This principle has been widely applied in educational settings, where teachers use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors and extinguish undesired behaviors. For example, a teacher may provide verbal praise or small rewards to students who complete their assignments on time, which can increase the likelihood of future compliance.
However, behaviorism also has some limitations. Critics argue that it overlooks cognitive processes and internal mental states, focusing solely on observable behaviors. This criticism has led to the development of alternative approaches, such as cognitivism, which emphasize the role of mental processes in learning and behavior.
In my own personal experience, I have applied behaviorist principles to address social issues. For instance, when I was a part of a community organization, we implemented a behavior-based intervention to reduce littering in a local park. We conducted observations to identify the specific behaviors associated with littering, such as not using trash cans or leaving behind food wrappers. Based on this information, we designed a campaign that used positive reinforcement techniques, such as placing attractive bins and providing recognition for individuals who properly disposed of their trash. Over time, we observed a significant decrease in littering behavior, indicating the effectiveness of the behaviorist approach.
In another scenario, I used behaviorist principles in my personal life to improve my own time management skills. I identified specific behaviors that were contributing to my procrastination, such as checking social media frequently or engaging in unrelated tasks (Meier et al., 2016). By implementing a system of rewards and consequences, I gradually modified my behavior. For example, I would reward myself with short breaks or small treats after completing a task, and I would set consequences, such as temporarily blocking certain websites, to deter distractions. These behaviorist strategies helped me develop more efficient study habits and improve my productivity.
To answer the additional behaviorist questions:
Do you agree with the behaviorist view that learning can be described simply in terms of stimulus-response relationships?
Yes, as a behaviorist, I agree that learning can be described in terms of stimulus-response relationships. Behaviorists believe that behavior is influenced by environmental stimuli and that learning occurs through the associations formed between stimuli and responses.
Do you agree with the behaviorist view that learning only occurs if there is an outward manifestation? Why, or why not?
Yes, I agree with the behaviorist view that learning only occurs if there is an outward manifestation. Behaviorists focus on observable behavior as the primary indicator of learning. They argue that internal mental processes are not directly observable and should not be relied upon as evidence of learning.
What are the potential advantages of defining learning as a change in behavior when considering your own career (or future career) and/or in your relationships?
Defining learning as a change in behavior has several potential advantages. In a career context, it allows for the development of targeted interventions and training programs to enhance performance and productivity. For example, if an employee is struggling with a particular task, a behaviorist approach can identify the specific behaviors that need modification and design appropriate reinforcement strategies to promote skill acquisition (Importance of Training and Development for Employees, 2022). In relationships, understanding behavior as a reflection of learning can help identify patterns and dynamics that may contribute to conflicts or misunderstandings. By focusing on behavior change, individuals can work together to establish healthier communication patterns and address relationship challenges effectively.
In conclusion, behaviorism provides a valuable perspective for understanding and modifying behavior. By emphasizing observable behavior, the influence of environmental factors, and the use of reinforcement techniques, behaviorism offers practical strategies for behavior change. While it has some limitations in neglecting cognitive processes, behaviorism has demonstrated its effectiveness in various domains, including education, therapy, and personal development. By applying behaviorist principles in real-life situations, we can address personal, social, and educational issues and facilitate positive behavior change.
References
Importance of Training and Development for Employees. (2022, December 15). Maryville Online. https://online.maryville.edu/blog/importance-of-training-and-development/
Kurt, S. (2022, September 25). Behaviorism, Key Terms, History, Theorists, Criticisms and Implications for Teaching – Educational Technology. Educational Technology. https://educationaltechnology.net/behaviorism-key-terms-history-theorists-criticisms-and-implications-for-teaching/
Meier, A., Reinecke, L., & Meltzer, C. E. (2016). “Facebocrastination”? Predictors of using Facebook for procrastination and its effects on students’ well-being. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 65–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2016.06.011

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