Behaviorism

Definition

 * Behaviorism is a learning theory used in the field of instructional technology as a guideline for understanding how to develop instruction that will be most effective for the learner. Based on observable behavioral changes, behaviorism focuses on a new behavioral pattern being repeated until it becomes automatic.

[|B.F. Skinner] applied this model to technology with programmed instruction. It consists of self-teaching with the aid of a teaching machine (i.e. Pressey's testing machine) that presents material in a logical sequence. Programmed instruction allows the student to answer questions at their own pace, checking their own answers and advancing only if answered correctly. Skinner's behaviorist theory is based upon the idea that changes in behavior are the result of an individual's response to events (stimuli) that occur in the environment. A response produces a consequence such as defining a word, or solving a math problem. When a particular stimulus-response (S-R) pattern is reinforced (rewarded), the individual is conditioned to respond. Reinforcement is the key element in [|Skinner's theory].**

Who knew there were categories and classifications of behaviorism?!?!

There is no classification generally agreed upon, but some titles given to the various branches of behaviorism include: Two popular subtypes are **Neo**: [|Hullian] and post-Hullian, theoretical, group data, not dynamic, physiological, and **Purposive**: [|Tolman]’s behavioristic anticipation of cognitive psychology.
 * **[|Classical]**: The behaviorism of [|Watson]; the objective study of behavior; no mental life, no internal states; thought is [|covert] speech.
 * **Methodological**: The objective study of third-person behavior; the data of psychology must be inter-subjectively verifiable; no [|theoretical] prescriptions. It has been absorbed into general experimental and [|cognitive psychology].
 * **[|Radical]**: [|Skinner's] behaviorism; is considered radical since it expands behavioral principles to processes within the organism; in contrast to methodological behaviorism; not mechanistic or reductionist; hypothetical (mentalistic) internal states are not considered causes of behavior, phenomena must be observable at least to the individual experiencing them. [|Willard Van Orman Quine] used many of radical behaviorism's ideas in his study of knowing and language.
 * **Logical**: Established by Oxford philosopher [|Gilbert Ryle] in his book The Concept of Mind (1949).
 * **Teleological**: Post-Skinnerian, purposive, close to [|microeconomics].
 * **Theoretical**: Post-Skinnerian, accepts observable internal states ("within the skin" once meant "unobservable", but with modern technology we are not so constrained); dynamic, but [|eclectic] in choice of theoretical structures, emphasizes [|parsimony].
 * **Biological**: Post-Skinnerian, centered on perceptual and motor modules of behavior, theory of behavior systems.
 * **Inter behaviorism**: Founded by [|J. R. Kantor] before Skinner's writings and currently worked by L. Hayes; E. Ribes; and S. Bijou. centered in the inter behavior of organisms, field theory of behavior; emphasis on human behavior.

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behaviorism

Related Topics
Behavior modification Classical conditioning Constructivism Cognitivism

Links
[|www.questia.com/PM] [|www.wikipeida.org/Learning] http://tip.psychology.org/skinner/