Introduction: The central idea behind behaviorism is that all actions are acquired through conditioning processes. The nature of the conditioning processes as well as the exact mechanism through which they work is an issue deliberated between several schools of thought, outlined in the following paper.
- Classical conditioning. The method through which a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus, generating a conditioned response.
- Main assumptions of classical conditioning.
- Main contributing theorists.
- Examples of studies examining classical conditioning.
- The use of classical conditioning in schools as well as therapeutic settings.
- Operant conditioning. The method through which an organism alters its behavior according to rewards or punishments.
- Main assumptions of operant conditioning.
- Main contributing theorists.
- Examples of studies examining operant conditioning.
- The use of operant conditioning in schools as well as therapeutic settings.
- Neobehaviorism. A school of thought emphasizing the underlying processes which mediate conditioning.
- Main assumptions and sources of influence.
- Theorists and debates.
- Examples of implemented neobehaviorism.
- Setting the stage for the cognitive movement.
- The use of neobehaviorism in schools and therapeutic setting.
Conclusion
Behaviorism is a theory perceiving human nature as mechanistic and materialistic by working closely on observable and measurable behavior that can be predicted, explained and controlled. Behaviorists claim that understanding human behavior requires the study of particulars of that behavior. It encompasses many aspects of the philosophy of science such as positivism, reductionism and realism, and had set the stage for psychology research as we know it today.
