Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology that is interested in observable behavior. First began by John B. Watson he based the belief that behaviors can be measured, trained, and changed. Behavior Theory of learning is based upon the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. Conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment (Myers, 2014).
Behaviorism theories can be apply in all aspect in my life, especially at work. As a counselor, I work with medically challenged individuals and must reward or give consequences for client’s good or bad behaviors. In my daily routine, If I decided to driving my car, very fast and get a speeding ticket. The negative reinforcement is getting a ticket. I experienced punishment because I chose to speed on the road. Positive and negative reinforcement is, positive reinforcement rewards and recognizes good behaviors and motivates clients or me to continue. Negative reinforcement motivates clients or me to avoid punishment and strive for good behavior.
Classical conditioning is a form of associative learning it was first done by Ivan Pavlov.
The dog is hungry, the dog sees the food, and the dog salivates. This is a natural sequence of events, an unconscious, uncontrolled, and unlearned relationship. See the food, then salivate. Now ring the bell every time he see's food and he gets use to the bell/food relationship and salivates at the sound of a bell even if there is no food around. (Myers, 2011).
Operant Conditioning is the term used by B.F. Skinner to describe the effects of the consequences of a particular behavior on the future occurrence of that behavior. There are four types of Operant Conditioning: Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment, and Extinction. Both Positive and Negative Reinforcement strengthen behavior while both Punishment and Extinction weaken behavior. (Myers, 2011).
Observational learning, also called social learning theory, occurs when an observer's behavior changes after viewing the behavior of a model. An observer's behavior can be affected by the positive or negative consequences--called vicarious
