Understanding Behaviorism

(In partial fulfillment of the coursework for LDT100x

Instructional Design and Technology: Learning Theories)

How a person learn can be measured though observable behavior. This was the main concept of Behaviorism, which was given meaning by four (4) theorist - Ivan Petrovich Pavlov; Edward L. Thorndike; John H. Watson; and Burhuss Fried-erich Skinner.

It was believed that behavior modification is possible and can be considered as successful once a person exhibits the desired behavior (response) which was influenced by reward or punishment after exposure to similar event (stimuli).

Pavlov introduced classical conditioning through his experiment using a bell together with giving of food (stimuli) which resulted for the dog to salivate (response). After series exposure to the same event (conditioning)— whenever the bell is rang, the dog was will start to salivate anchoring the bell as the same with the giving of food.

Thorndike’s theory is based on Pavlov’s concepts. He introduced three major laws, which affects learning:

1. Laws of Effect - The person’s response is connected on what will follow.

2. Law of Exercise - Constant practice strengthens the behavior. On the other hand, non-usage will weaken the behavior.

3. Law of Readiness - A person has to be physically ready for the result to be satisfying.

Watson’s manner of experimenting classical conditioning was questioned as he used a child, a white rat and loud noise. Whenever, the child was exposed to the rat, a loud noise will be created creating fear in the child’s response to the rat. Watson’s experiment demonstrated that a person’s emotional response such as fear can be conditioned when exposed to a terrifying stimuli.

Skinner on the other hand, focused on the behavior instead of emotions. He introduced the concept of Operant Conditioning, which uses operants (stimuli) in modifying a behavior (response). The concept in Skinner’s learning theory, the continuous reinforcement of the S-R pattern will result to a change in behavior. Reinforcements are classified as positive, negative and punishments. The schedule of reinforcement is also crucial for behavior modification. It was viewed that successive approximation of the reinforcement causes the behaviors to be shaped.

Most of the educational institutions and even in the corporate setting uses the principle of Behaviorism, specifically on discipline, classroom management and policy implementation.

There was one particular school that I know of that uses the concept of Behaviorisms. It was a boarding maritime school. Students who graduates from said school were automatically given work onboard the vessel as long as they pass and completed the course requirements. Regimental activities (conditioned stimulus) ensures that students learn discipline (response) and a set of protocols (conditioned stimulus) are followed to maintain order (response) in the campus. Students have an honor code, in which any violation is equivalent to a sanction (punishment). One good example of conditioning that I also observed was the use of the school bell which signals waking up for daily exercises in the morning, breakfast, going to school and breaks. Students were also trained on how to walk, stand, dress and eat. They even have the same hair cut while in school. The students comply with the school standard in order to graduate and be given a chance to board the vessel (positive reinforcement).

Operant conditioning was used when students who fails to perform a specific tasks or behave accordingly were given additional tasks or duty (negative reinforcement). Meantime, those who were performing well were recognized and enjoyed certain liberties (positive reinforcement).

One thing I noticed though was some students, after several years from graduation no longer practice the regimen of exercising and maintaining a healthy and fit body. This was an example that when reinforcement was taken away, the desired behavior weakens. The individual tends to forget or decides not to practice what has been instilled to them when they were in college.

Another example of behaviorism that I can also recall was when I was a child. I remember my grandmother teaching me how to read. There was a specific schedule that we need to follow (stimuli) and I would remember her holding the ruler (stimuli) and pointing to the words that I need to read (response). She would tell me very good and hug me (positive reinforcement) when I can read the words. Although, nothing physical happened, the ruler was a symbol of negative reinforcement and punishment as well.

References:

Behaviorism and Developments in Instructional Design and Technology, Retrieved from www.what-when-how.com/distancelearning

McLeod, SA (2015). Skinner - Operant Conditioning, Retrieved from www.simplypsychology.org/operantconditioning.html

#Behaviorism #experience