LEARNING 1.2

LEARNING 1.2

[THEORIES OF LEARNING: 

BEHAVIOURISTIC THEORY]

Behaviouristic Theory:

“Behaviorism is a learning theory that studies observable and measurable behavioral changes, which result from stimulus-response associations made by the learner.”

Classical Conditioning:

This theory stems from the work of Pavlov who studied animal behavior, and was able to condition a dog to associate the ringing of a bell with food. Pavlovian conditioning is known as classical conditioning.

Operant Conditioning:

Pavlov's experiment was later developed by Watson and Skinner. Skinner introduced the theory of operant conditioning (i.e., a behavior followed by a reinforcement; results in an increased probability of that behavior occurring in the future; a behavior followed by a punishment is weakened in the future). 

POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT

Reinforcement theory provides two methods of increasing desirable behaviors.  One is positive reinforcement and the other is negative reinforcement.

Positive Reinforcement: Give (+) what individuals like when they have performed the desired behavior.

Negative Reinforcement: Remove (-) what individuals do not like when they have performed the desired behavior.

Note: In the case of negative reinforcement, it is important to remember that negative does not mean "bad", just the removal of an unpleasant stimulus. Positive and negative have similar connotations in the application of punishment.

NEGATIVE PUNISHMENT & POSITIVE PUNISHMENT

Reinforcement theory provides two methods of eliminating undesirable behaviors.  One is negative punishment and the other is positive punishment. 

Positive Punishment: Give (+) individuals what they do not like when they have performed the undesired behavior. Positive punishment is what we think of when we think of a "punishment"

Negative Punishment: Remove (-) what individuals like when they have performed the undesired behavior.

Note: Behaviorism in the classroom: Behaviorist techniques have long been applied in educational practices, especially in classroom and behavior management. The teacher in a primary role wherein he or she adjusts the learner's behavior and directs learning through drill and practice, through habit-breaking, and punishment/reward.

(to be continued...)