Summary
Behaviorism
Introduction
Behaviorism (or behaviourism), also called the learning perspective (where any physical action is a
behavior), is a philosophy
of psychologybased
on the proposition that all things that organisms do—including acting,
thinking, and feeling—can and should be regarded as behaviors, and that psychological disorders are best treated by
altering behavior patterns or modifying the environment. The behaviorist school of thought
maintains that behaviors as such can be described scientifically without recourse either to internal physiological events or to hypothetical
constructs such
as the mind. Behaviorism comprises the position
that all theories should have observational correlates but that there are no philosophical differences
between publicly observable processes (such as actions) and privately
observable processes (such as thinking and feeling).
Discussion
Last meeting we
discussion Skinner’s teory about behaviourism, we discussion about:
B.F. Skinner was influential in defining radical behaviorism,
a philosophy codifying the basis of his school of research (named the
Experimental Analysis of Behavior, or EAB.) While EAB differs from other
approaches to behavioral research on numerous methodological and theoretical
points, radical behaviorism departs from methodological behaviorism most
notably in accepting feelings, states of mind and introspection as existent and
scientifically treatable. This is done by identifying them as something non-dualistic, and here Skinner takes a divide-and-conquer approach, with
some instances being identified with bodily conditions or behavior, and others
getting a more extended "analysis" in terms of behavior. However,
radical behaviorism stops short of identifying feelings as causes of behavior.
Among other points of difference were a rejection of the reflex as a model of
all behavior and a defense of a science of behavior complementary to but
independent of physiology. Radical behaviorism has considerable overlap with
other western philosophical positions such as American pragmatism.
Criticisms of
Behaviorism
·
Many critics argue that behaviorism is a
one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and that behavioral
theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods,
thoughts and feelings.
·
Behaviorism does not account for other types of
learning, especially learning that occurs without the use of reinforcement and punishment.
·
People and animals are able to adapt their
behavior when new information is introduced, even if a previous behavior
pattern has been established through reinforcement.
Strengths of Behaviorism
·
Behaviorism is based upon observable behaviors,
so it is easier to quantify and collect data and information when conducting
research.
·
Effective therapeutic techniques such as
intensive behavioral intervention, behavior analysis, token
economies and discrete trial training are all rooted in behaviorism. These
approaches are often very useful in changing maladaptive or harmful behaviors
in both children and adults.
Conclution
While
behaviorism is not as dominant today as it was during the middle of the
20th-century, it still remains an influential force in psychology. Outside of
psychology, animal trainers, parents, teachers and many others make use of
basic behavioral principles to help teach new behaviors and discourage unwanted
ones.
Postingan
