Behaviorism EME 2040 Halena Benson

Key Contributors to Behaviorism Ivan Pavlov Albert BanduraB.F. Skinner

Key Points of Behaviorism Human behavior consists of reactions to stimulation from the environment No free will, only learned behaviors Learners start with a “blank slate” and behavior is molded by positive or negative reinforcement, which make it less likely that an unwanted behavior will continue Animals can be used for research in learning because the process is generally the same in humans Classical conditioning – learning a new behavior through association between natural stimuli and neutral stimuli (i.e. dog salivates when it sees food, ring a bell whenever dog sees food, dog salivates when bell rings) Operant conditioning – the cause/effect approach; positive and negative reinforcement used to establish behaviors (i.e. rat hits lever, food is dispensed, rat learns to hit lever for food) McLeod, S. A. (2007). Behaviorism - Simply Psychology. Retrieved from

Application in the Classroom (Teacher) Teachers can: – strictly apply positive and negative reinforcement to solidify desired behaviors – employ new technology to enhance learning and allow for individual growth, associates positive educational experiences with correct use of technology – maintain a positive, but neutral environment so there is a clear distinction between positive and negative reinforcement – allow students to work with other students in order to respond naturally to each other

Application in the Classroom (Students) Students: – practice acceptable behaviors in response to conditioning – learn how to use technology effectively by rewarding positive utilization and punishing abuse of resources – benefit from repetitive class activities and schedules – gain intelligence through grading systems which reinforce knowledge of correct answers

The Role of Behaviorism in my Teaching While behaviorism can be useful in controlling students and teaching them acceptable behaviors, I do not believe it is the most accurate theory for educating. I do not plan to use behaviorism extensively because it encourages uniformity and the idea that all children are the same. I think I will use some of the ideals of behaviorism in classroom management and memorization, but I will use a more open-minded approach to other aspects of teaching.

Behaviorism Quiz Halena Benson

Instructions Answer the following questions on behaviorism. Read each question carefully and select your answer. Follow instructions until you reach the end of the quiz. Good luck!

1. Who was NOT one of the three contributors to behaviorism mentioned? A.PavlovPavlov B.WagnerWagner C.SkinnerSkinner D.BanduraBandura

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2. According to behaviorism, ________ can be used for research in learning because the processes are basically the same. A.AnimalsAnimals B.ChildrenChildren C.AdultsAdults D.All of the aboveAll of the above

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3. Which method in behaviorism involves teaching new behaviors by associating a natural stimulus with a neutral stimulus? A.Operant conditioningOperant conditioning B.Positive/negative reinforcementPositive/negative reinforcement C.Classical conditioningClassical conditioning D.“Blank Slate”“Blank Slate”

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4. Which of the following is a possible application of behaviorism for teachers? A.allow students to work independently to solve problems based on knowledge from previous experiencesallow students to work independently to solve problems based on knowledge from previous experiences B.give learners the opportunity to create their own opinions on certain topicsgive learners the opportunity to create their own opinions on certain topics C.strictly apply positive and negative reinforcement to solidify desired behaviorsstrictly apply positive and negative reinforcement to solidify desired behaviors D.reward children equally, even if some perform incorrectlyreward children equally, even if some perform incorrectly

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