1.15 Understand the basics of behaviourial schools of thought

Behaviorism Overview
Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors, asserting that they can be studied scientifically without reference to mental states. It emphasizes the role of environmental stimuli and responses in shaping behavior. This school of thought is often applied in therapy and education to modify behavior through conditioning.

Core Theories and Concepts

1. Contiguity Theory (Edwin Guthrie)

• Key Idea: Learning occurs through the association of a stimulus with a response.

• Principles:

  • Learning involves specific movements, not broad behaviors.

  • Tasks must be precise and involve active participation.

  • The last response in a situation is the one retained.

  • Exposure to various stimuli enhances generalization.

2. Classical Conditioning (Ivan Pavlov)

• Key Idea: Learning through association of stimuli.

• Key Terms:

  • Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): Naturally triggers a response (e.g., food causing salivation).

  • Unconditioned Response (UCR): Natural reaction (e.g., salivation to food).

  • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): Previously neutral, triggers a response after association with UCS (e.g., bell).

  • Conditioned Response (CR): Learned reaction (e.g., salivation to bell).

  • Stimulus Generalization: Similar stimuli evoke the same response.

  • Extinction: CR fades if CS is presented without UCS.

  • Counter-Conditioning: Replacing a negative response with a positive one (e.g., rewarding a fearful dog near a stimulus).

3. Operant Conditioning (B.F. Skinner)

• Key Idea: Behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement or punishment).

• Types of Reinforcement and Punishment:

  • Positive Reinforcement: Adding a reward to increase behavior.

  • Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior.

  • Positive Punishment: Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.

  • Negative Punishment: Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior.

• Key Concepts:

  • Fixed Interval: Rewards given at set time intervals.

  • Variable Interval: Rewards given at unpredictable time intervals.

  • Fixed Ratio: Rewards given after a fixed number of responses.

  • Variable Ratio: Rewards given after an unpredictable number of responses.

  • Shaping: Rewarding successive approximations to a desired behavior.

4. Additional Techniques and Applications

• Systematic Desensitization (Joseph Wolpe): Gradual exposure to anxiety-inducing stimuli paired with relaxation techniques.

• Token Economy: Using tokens as rewards for desired behaviors, which can be exchanged for larger rewards.

• Flooding Therapy: Immediate, intense exposure to feared stimuli to extinguish fear.

• Differential Reinforcement: Reinforcing positive behaviors while ignoring unwanted behaviors.

• Premack Principle: Using a preferred activity as a reward for completing a less desirable activity.

• Vicarious Conditioning (Bandura): Learning by observing others’ experiences and consequences.

Memorization Tips

1. Classical vs. Operant Conditioning Mnemonic:

   • Classical = "Before Behavior" (Antecedents matter)

   • Operant = "After Behavior" (Consequences matter)

2. For Operant Conditioning Reinforcement/Punishment:

   • Positive means adding, negative means removing.

   • Reinforcement increases behavior; punishment decreases it.

3. Token Economy Visual: Imagine a jar where you collect poker chips to exchange for rewards.

Quiz

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the main focus of behaviorism?
   a) Understanding mental states
   b) Studying observable behaviors
   c) Exploring unconscious motivations
   d) Analyzing dream patterns

2. Which concept is associated with Ivan Pavlov?
   a) Operant Conditioning
   b) Classical Conditioning
   c) Shaping
   d) Flooding

3. Which reinforcement schedule is most unpredictable?
   a) Fixed Interval
   b) Variable Interval
   c) Fixed Ratio
   d) Variable Ratio

4. What is shaping in operant conditioning?
   a) Gradually reinforcing closer approximations to a desired behavior.
   b) Punishing undesirable behaviors.
   c) Pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus.
   d) Observing others to learn behaviors.

5. What is the Premack Principle?
   a) Replacing a negative response with a positive one.
   b) Using a preferred activity as a reward for a less desirable one.
   c) Gradually exposing someone to their fears.
   d) Ignoring undesirable behavior while rewarding positive behavior.

Answer Key

1. b) Studying observable behaviors

2. b) Classical Conditioning

3. d) Variable Ratio

4. a) Gradually reinforcing closer approximations to a desired behavior.

5. b) Using a preferred activity as a reward for a less desirable one.

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