Behaviorism

In the video above Jim said that he was recreating an experiment where a scientist trained dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell. The scientist that Jim was referring to was the Russian Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov noticed that when a bell was rung when food was given to dogs eventually the dogs would begin to salivate at the sound of bell even when food was not present. This involuntary response to stimuli is referred to as respondent learning or classic conditioning.

Behaviorists also believe that learning can occur through operant conditioning when stimuli is presented (reinforcements of punishments) and the person voluntarily reacts a certain way. Another form of learning is called observational learning which is the Behaviorists' equivalent to the monkey-see-monkey-do effect.

Behaviorists believe that the only way to demonstrate learning is through observable behavior. The mind itself was considered a black box that could not be opened. The only thing that was important to observe was what went into the box and what came out.

In today's teaching it is clear that teachers are attempting to use conditioning to elicit certain behaviors form students. It is true that we all react to stimuli and that we can be conditioned to react a certain way. I have observed classes conditioned to react to certain stimuli. However, when I have seen it done it has always been in a administrative role (getting kids to stop talking, organize themselves in certain groups, or begin to clean up) so that true teaching and learning can occur.

The thought that all learning occurs from stimuli and positive or negative reinforcements says little of the divine nature of man. Man may share their environment with animals but that is not to say that man and animals operate on the same level. Contrary to the Behaviorists' view, we all have agency to react or not react to the things that we learn. Just because I do not change my behavior does not mean that I am not learning.

It better show the black box metaphor I made this image using clip art and word art.



Terms:
Respondent behavior-(classical conditioning) behavior that is an involuntary reaction to stimulus. Pavlov’s dogs or Dwight and the mints

Operant behavior-behavior is voluntary reaction to stimuli or are simply emitted by an inherently active organism. Circus animals performing or students raising their hands.

Observational Behavior-monkey-see-monkey-do effect

Skinner’s S-R-S Response was the framework for operant learning.
S (discriminative stimulus) – R (operant response) – S (contingent stimulus)
Dog sees a wasp’s nest -- sticks his nose inside -- He gets stung

Behavior is more likely to reoccur if it has been rewarded, or reinforced.

Primary Reinforcer – One whose reinforcement value is biologically determined. Food

Conditioned Reinforcers – They are associated with the primary reinforcer.