Radical behaviorism is a branch of psychological study that postulates that human "behavior" is at the integral part of psychological study. Unlike other disciplines such as cognitive psychology that concentrates on internal factors such as thoughts or rather obsessive preoccupations, behaviorism theory only considers the "observable" factors of the outside environment. In this paper, I analyze the strengths and weaknesses of radical behaviorism in light of cognitive psychological theory.
Skinner who relied on Behaviorist Revolution advanced the theory that preceded philosophical argument that was presented by Watson. Fuentes (2000) traces the philosophical origin of the Skinner theory to empiricism and positivism. On the other hand, he argues out that its epistemological paradigm bear direct relationship to objectivism where reality dwells from without the individual, and knowledge is simply an illusion of reality (Fuentes, 2000).
Skinner's Radical Behaviorism was anchored in the notion that learning is a product of change that is orchestrated by behavior observed over some time. In fact, variations in behavior are factors of individual's reactions to stimuli that take place in their surroundings. Therefore, reinforcement stands out as the fundamental component of Skinner's theory. In this respect, a reinforcer is any factor that fortifies the sought after response. Examples of positive reinforcement include positive affirmations such as a pat on the back, a congratulatory statement, or a nod of the head (Russell & Cohn, 2012).
Similarly, Skinner's theory encompasses negative reinforcers, as the elimination of positive reinforcement that contradicts from repelling stimuli. The Skinner's theory further concentrates on the timings of reinforcements and their impacts on developing and preserving behavior. One of the unique features of Skinner's arguments is that it strived to offer behavioral accounts for a wide range of cognitive phenomena. For instance, Skinner explained the motivation-based deprivation and reinforcement timings (Fuentes, 2000).
Operant conditioning is a process that has been applied intensively,...
Learning and Cognitive Critique In modern day learning, it is important to integrate creative approaches in order to minimize mental redundancy among learners. At any given time, the human brain utilizes less than ten percent of its total capacity. This explains the powerful ability of the human brain to carry out complex information processes in short periods. This study presents the necessity of having a hybrid approach in responding to intellectual
Tom Shulich ("Coltish Hum") A Critical Comparison of Behavior Therapy and Rational-Emotive Therapy In this paper, I consider the benefits and drawbacks of behavior therapy and the cognitive therapy. These are talking therapies that now have over a half-century of application in clinical settings and are still used today in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, drug treatments of psychological disorders. I conclude that these therapies are still useful, though each
The message from this simple analysis is clear: people interpret reality in different way ways. In Bandura's view, internal reinforcement is a potent force for enhancing or bolstering the mental states of individuals. Hence a feeling of pride, satisfaction and accomplishment helps both to enhance the individual's cognitive development as well as the learning process. 3. Learning does not always precipitate change in behavior. In other words, people do not
Behaviorism and Childhood Development: An Educator and Parent's Perspective "Haven't I told you a hundred times," says a parent to an errant child, "not to put your muddy shoes on the sofa!" Yes, a behaviorist might note, the parent has told the child to do so -- but the parent has not taught the child, only told the child. The act of telling the child not to muddy the sofa in
According to Bales, 1999, the concept behind SYMLOG is that "every act of behavior takes place in a larger context, that it is a part of an interactive field of influences." Further, "the approach assumes that one needs to understand the larger context -- person, interpersonal, group, and external situation -- in order to understand the patterns of behavior and to influence them successfully." With SYMLOG, measurement procedures are
Pedagogic Model for Teaching of Technology to Special Education Students Almost thirty years ago, the American federal government passed an act mandating the availability of a free and appropriate public education for all handicapped children. In 1990, this act was updated and reformed as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which itself was reformed in 1997. At each step, the goal was to make education more equitable and more accessible to
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