1. Behaviorism By: Christina Basso

2. What is Behaviorism? Behaviorism is a philosophy based on behavioristic psychology. This philosophical orientation maintains that environmental factors shape people’s behavior. According to behavioristic philosophy, behaviors can be studied in a systematic and observable manner.

3. Beliefs Behind Behaviorism Behaviorists believe that behaviors can be clarified without the need to reflect on the mental states of the individual. Some believe that behaviors are caused by physical disabilities and others believe the the disabilities of the individual has nothing to do with them having negative behaviors.

4. When was Behaviorism founded? Behaviorism was founded in 1890 when Ivan Pavlov began his research on dogs and conditioned stimulus. Research continued after 1890 and still continues on ways to improve the first theories of Behaviorism

5. Who are the founders of Behaviorism? Ivan Pavlov 1849-1936 John B. Watson 1879-1958 B.F. Skinner 1904-1990

6. Ivan Pavlov Ivan Pavlov began the discovery and founding of behaviorism by creating an experiment with dogs. His experiment was that the dogs can be stimulated to do anything by receiving rewards. This is known as conditional stimulus which is the belief that organisms can be trained to do anything by receiving rewards and associating rewards with such behavior.

7. John B. Watson Built on Pavlov’s discovery of conditional stimulus. Known for contributing to the therapy for behavior modification. This is known as ABA. Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is the use of these techniques and principles to bring about meaningful and positive change in behavior. ABA is a behavior analysis that focuses on how learning takes place by using positive reinforcements. When a behavior is followed by some sort of reward, the behavior is more likely to be repeated.

8. B. F. Skinner Built on both Pavlov and Watson’s theories and experiments by saying teachers can create the environment to have desired behavior. They can do this by: – Identifying desired behaviors in concrete observable and measurable terms – Establishing a procedure for recording specific behaviors and counting their frequencies – For each behavior, identify an appropriate reinforcer – Ensure that students receive the reinforcer as soon as possible after displaying a desired behavior..

9. Description on ABA Therapy ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) is one of the recognized safe and effective treatment for individuals on the Autism Spectrum. Due to the increase number of the individuals diagnosed with Autism in the nation, there has been a dramatic increase on the use of ABA Therapy on individuals diagnosed with Autism. The ABA Therapy is known to help the individuals live happy and productive lives by teaching them techniques and basic skills such as looking, listening, imitating, reading, writing and understanding the perspective of another person. This therapy is known to be effective because individuals diagnosed with Autism are known to not be able to understand complex abstract thoughts.

10. Teacher, Student, or Community Center Behaviorism is a teacher centered philosophy. The reason being, the environment the teacher creates for the classroom, is believed to be able to have a large effect on how students will behave. The most effective environment that teachers can create is one that is organized and consistently stays the same. The reinforcements the teachers set also plays another important role in behaviorism. This includes both positive and negative. The way a teacher reacts to the action of a student determines whether or not that student will repeat the action. i.e some students feed of the negative reactions of teachers and continue doing the behavior because of the negative reaction.

11. Example of Behaviorism The teacher assigns an assignment. The student refuses to do the assignment. The teacher shows the student the positive reinforcer if the assignment is completed. The student begins to start the assignment. The positive reinforcer usually edible is partically given to the student. Once the entire assignment is completed, the rest of the reinforcer is given.

12. References http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsych ology/f/behaviorism.htm http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsych ology/f/behaviorism.htm http://psychology.about.com/od/profilesofmajort hinkers/p/watson.htm http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba http://www.autismspeaks.org/what- autism/treatment/applied-behavior-analysis-aba http://instephshead.blogspot.com/2010/10/stud ent-centered-and-teacher-centered.html http://instephshead.blogspot.com/2010/10/stud ent-centered-and-teacher-centered.html Parkway, Forrest W Becoming A Teacher 9 th Edition, 2013