Psychological Behaviorism: Learning Through Reinforcements
Marist College
Allyce Braddy
Author Note
Allyce Braddy, Marist College, Psychology Department.
Abstract
Study of human behavior has been fiercely debated and reviewed for centuries dating back to Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle. Behavioral Psychology flourished during the 1920’s as a leading theory of learning established upon the idea that all human behaviors develop through some sort of conditioning, lead by both positive and negative reinforcements. Behaviorism refers to the school of psychology founded by John B. Watson established on the principle that behaviors can be scientifically interpreted using measurements and can transform to meet the needs …show more content…
Learning philosophy must be applied to change socially important behaviors. Firstly, learned behaviors are considered to be normal behaviors based on data collected between animals and humans that show repetition among the different species. Researchers investigate observable and scientific behavior that is independently defined clear evidence of a purposeful relationship between the behavior and the response. Secondly, behaviors that are considered habits are deemed as pointless because even habitable behavior can be altered. Thirdly, there is no room for choice or free will because any behavior can be conditioned from the researcher to the subject in a clear and unbiased environment. This takes away from the subject the belief that their actions are their own and there are in control of their movements and behaviors. Next, personal accountability substituted with cause and effect arguments and humans are categorized by their behaviors. “Unfortunately, the clinical branch of behaviorism abandoned that original position and is now heavily involved with the medical model, perhaps more than any other psychology tradition. Clinical scientists in the behavioral tradition have led the field in conducting specificity studies designed to discover “treatments” for “mental disorders.” Thus, behaviorism is now one of the “major players” on the medical model team” (Elkins, 2012). Positive reinforcement is a practice that often lacks social acceptability and undermines intrinsic reinforcement. Behavior analysis fails to glorify human beings, as do other psychologies and philosophies. “Competitive dance takes on a behaviorist view in the form of tangible rewards; if the dancers do exceedingly well then they receive a trophy. In a world where education demeans the arts, artists need to stick together to provide one voice not fight against each other for a plastic trophy and bragging rights. The rewards need to come in
Marist College
Allyce Braddy
Author Note
Allyce Braddy, Marist College, Psychology Department.
Abstract
Study of human behavior has been fiercely debated and reviewed for centuries dating back to Greek philosopher and scientist Aristotle. Behavioral Psychology flourished during the 1920’s as a leading theory of learning established upon the idea that all human behaviors develop through some sort of conditioning, lead by both positive and negative reinforcements. Behaviorism refers to the school of psychology founded by John B. Watson established on the principle that behaviors can be scientifically interpreted using measurements and can transform to meet the needs …show more content…
Learning philosophy must be applied to change socially important behaviors. Firstly, learned behaviors are considered to be normal behaviors based on data collected between animals and humans that show repetition among the different species. Researchers investigate observable and scientific behavior that is independently defined clear evidence of a purposeful relationship between the behavior and the response. Secondly, behaviors that are considered habits are deemed as pointless because even habitable behavior can be altered. Thirdly, there is no room for choice or free will because any behavior can be conditioned from the researcher to the subject in a clear and unbiased environment. This takes away from the subject the belief that their actions are their own and there are in control of their movements and behaviors. Next, personal accountability substituted with cause and effect arguments and humans are categorized by their behaviors. “Unfortunately, the clinical branch of behaviorism abandoned that original position and is now heavily involved with the medical model, perhaps more than any other psychology tradition. Clinical scientists in the behavioral tradition have led the field in conducting specificity studies designed to discover “treatments” for “mental disorders.” Thus, behaviorism is now one of the “major players” on the medical model team” (Elkins, 2012). Positive reinforcement is a practice that often lacks social acceptability and undermines intrinsic reinforcement. Behavior analysis fails to glorify human beings, as do other psychologies and philosophies. “Competitive dance takes on a behaviorist view in the form of tangible rewards; if the dancers do exceedingly well then they receive a trophy. In a world where education demeans the arts, artists need to stick together to provide one voice not fight against each other for a plastic trophy and bragging rights. The rewards need to come in