The Evolution Of Behaviorism

By Timothy Sinclair

The evolution of behaviorism has been very important in giving psychologist the ability to predict possible control of particular behavior. Understanding classical and operant conditioning; concepts of reinforcement and punishment. This article will cover; behavior modification, contemporary theories of behaviorism and cognitive-behavior theory.

Man’s behavior, although very complex in its refinement, will form the behaviorist total investigative scheme. It is the goal of psychology to provide an objective prediction and a possible control of a particular behavior. Who’s training who? Would be a very viable question for behaviorist. Children who master the art of manipulation as they discover language. While parents think they are training their children, the children are training the parents how to respond to their needs. The reinforcer is the crying, the parent then respond and the child gets the prize. If the parent takes their child to a department store and the child behaves badly and the parent reacts to the reinforcement trap set by the child’s knowledge of the public situation that they are in. Reverse the training. If the child knows that pain or discomfort may be associated with a public display of bad behaviorthe child may choose good behavior instead. No matter how parents deny that this is happening, they are wrong. How a child gets “no” from one parent and go to other and get “yes”. This is part of the evolution of behaviorism, with a early childhood spin. When a child is being manipulative, the child is trying to show the parent a need that is not being met and a need to connect.

Behavior Modification

Behavior modification in the classroom can threaten traditional psychotherapy; it would seem that behavior modification plan does put the child’s needs in perspective. Such as, preschool programs will come up with their way of dealing with undesired classroom behavior. The plan will be a one-size-fit-all. Behavior modification cannot be a fit-all concept. A counselor with experience with children’s behavior is necessary and there could be lasting damage to the child. According to behaviorists, a form of learning is the use of behavior modification, and it is the teacher’s responsibility to design an educational environment that is appropriate for behavior to be reinforced. Behavior modification technique can be effective against inappropriate behaviors (Skinner, 1938).

Contemporary Theories of Behaviorism

Operant conditioning applications to conditioning can be simple and to the point. If an alternative or secondary school is the environment, the teacher does not necessarily have to treat the student’s if they are monsters or threaten punishment if they do not listen. This will cause only more inappropriate behavior. Teachers’ need to stay on top of the latest learning theories and how it would apply to their instructional environments. Skinner says to avoid the use of punishmentreinforce desired classroom behavior and treating students well, will decrease misbehavior.

Cognitive-Behavior Theory

Cognitive behavior therapy is a treatment that helps people to understand the feelings and thoughts that has influenced their behavior. Understanding the thoughts and feelings helps the individual to avoid the antecedents that spark the behavior. The assumption is that most people want to make sensible choices for them. Behaviorist generally will reduce human behavior to merely cause and effect, therefore cognitive theory largely rejects behaviorism (Farmer & Chapman, 2008). What has changed in this theory is that a empirical evidenced-based approached and manualized approaches combined. Modern cognitive behavior therapy allows the therapy to be Ala-carted to the individual patient, in opposed to a one-size-fit-all package.

What has remained the same is the evidence for the effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy, children under age 9 years. Significant concern about the use of antidepressants on the very young with depressioncreates increases in difficulties for evidence based recommendations (Kuyken, Dalgleish, and Holden, 2007). Theories are: cognitive-behavioral theory and social cognitive theory. In modern psychology therapist use techniques from both theories, to help their clientele.

In closing, the evolution of behaviorism has been very important in giving psychologist the ability to predict possible control of particular behavior. Understanding classical and operant conditioning; concepts of reinforcement and punishment. This paper has covered; behavior modification, contemporary theories of behaviorism and cognitive-behavior theory.

About the Author: Tim is a highly experienced educator who has wked with a variety of populations:at-risk students,gifted youth,and adolescents with conduct disorders,early aged children. Has over 16 years exp as an admin over large capacity programs.

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