Psychology Behaviorism Overview

Definition: A psychological perspective emphasizing observable behaviors over internal mental processes.

Concept: Learning process by which a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a meaningful stimulus, eliciting a conditioned response.
Key Figures: Ivan Pavlov, known for experiments with dogs.
Components:
- Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally triggers a response (e.g., food).
- Unconditioned Response (UCR): Natural reaction to UCS (e.g., salivation).
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially neutral stimulus (e.g., bell) that becomes associated with UCS.
- Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to CS (e.g., salivation at the sound of the bell).

Concept: Learning through consequences, where behaviors are modified by rewards or punishments.
Key Figure: B.F. Skinner, known for the Skinner Box experiments.
Components:
- Reinforcer: Any stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior.
  - Positive Reinforcement: Adding a favorable outcome (e.g., praise).
  - Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unfavorable outcome (e.g., ending a loud noise).
- Punishment: Any stimulus that decreases the likelihood of a behavior.
  - Positive Punishment: Adding an unfavorable outcome (e.g., scolding).
  - Negative Punishment: Removing a favorable outcome (e.g., taking away privileges).

Reinforcement:
- Strengthens behavior.
- Can be immediate or delayed.
- Varieties: Continuous (every time) and partial (some of the time).
Punishment:
- Aims to reduce behavior.
- Can lead to negative side effects like fear or aggression.
- Less effective than reinforcement in the long term.

Concept: Learning by observing others, rather than through direct experience.
Key Figure: Albert Bandura, known for the Bobo doll experiment.
Key Points:
- Involves modeling behavior after a role model.
- Influences factors: Attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
- Highlights the importance of social context in learning.

Definition: Systematic approach to changing behavior through the application of behavioral principles.
Techniques:
- Token Economies: Using tokens as rewards for desired behaviors which can be exchanged for privileges.
- Shaping: Gradually reinforcing behaviors that are closer to the desired behavior.
- Desensitization: Gradual exposure to feared stimuli paired with relaxation techniques.

Used in various fields including education, therapy, parenting, and behavioral therapy for conditions like autism and phobias.

Learning process where a neutral stimulus (CS) becomes linked with a meaningful stimulus (UCS) to elicit a conditioned response (CR).
Ivan Pavlov conducted famous experiments with dogs, establishing foundational principles.
Components:
- Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally provokes a response (e.g., food).
- Unconditioned Response (UCR): Automatic reaction to UCS (e.g., salivation).
- Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Initially neutral stimulus (e.g., bell) that gains significance through association.
- Conditioned Response (CR): Learned response to CS (e.g., salivation upon hearing the bell).

Learning driven by the consequences of actions; behaviors are reinforced or punished.
B.F. Skinner is a key figure associated with this theory, notably through the Skinner Box experiments.
Components:
- Reinforcer: Stimulus that increases the likelihood of a behavior occurring.
- Positive Reinforcement: Introduction of a favorable outcome (e.g., praise).
- Negative Reinforcement: Removal of an unfavorable condition (e.g., stopping a loud noise).
- Punishment: Stimulus that aims to decrease the likelihood of a behavior.
- Positive Punishment: Addition of an unfavorable outcome (e.g., scolding).
- Negative Punishment: Removal of a preferred outcome (e.g., taking away privileges).

Reinforcement:
- Enhances the likelihood of a behavior reoccurring.
- Can be immediate or delayed with forms including continuous (every instance) and partial (some instances).
Punishment:
- Intends to decrease a behavior but may have negative side effects, including fear or aggression.
- Generally considered less effective than reinforcement over the long term.

Learning occurs through the observation of others rather than through direct interaction or experience.
Albert Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment illustrates this concept effectively.
Key Elements:
- Involves imitation of a model's behavior.
- Learning influenced by factors like attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
- Emphasizes the role of social context in the learning process.

Systematic approach to altering behavior using behavioral principles.
Techniques:
- Token Economies: Reward systems where tokens signify desirable behaviors and can be exchanged for privileges.
- Shaping: Gradual reinforcement of behaviors that resemble the target behavior.
- Desensitization: Gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking stimuli paired with relaxation methods to reduce fear.

Behaviorism is applied in various fields such as education, therapy, parenting, and specifically in behavioral therapies for conditions like autism and phobias.