Unit 2 Essay

Unit 2 Essay Student’s Name Institution Course # and Name Professor’s Name Submission Date Introduction Behaviorism is a learning theory rooted in the idea that each behavior is acquired through conditioning. Conditioning can either be classical or operant. In classical conditioning, a neutral stimulus elicits a conditioned response when paired with an unconditioned stimulus. Conversely, operant conditioning focuses on how consequences influence habits. This means that behaviors are repeated if they are accompanied by positive reinforcement and less repeated if accompanied by punishment. There are many distinct schools of thought, and each school offers unique perspectives. This paper will discuss the schools of behaviorism and analyze a case on increasing participation through reinforcement. Schools of Behaviorism Behaviorism encompasses several schools of thought, each with its unique perspective on how behavior is learned and modified. Methodological Behaviorism John Watson posited that psychology should focus mainly on observable behaviors and disregard mental states because they cannot be scientifically measured. This school of behaviorism is based on the belief that behavior results from environmental stimuli and that all human actions can be understood through conditioning. Methodological behavior is distinct from other schools because it strictly limits its study to observable behavior, rejects introspection and subjective reports, and values the role of environmental stimuli in shaping behavior (Araiba, 2019). Methodological behaviorism does not consider internal processes, incorporates internal cognitive processes, and does not exclude objective measurement and experimental methods. Neobehaviorism Neobehaviorism accepts the importance of observable behavior but incorporates mediating variables, such as drives, habits, and expectations, to explain behavior. It aimed to bridge the gap between classical behaviorism and the emerging cognitive perspectives. Unlike Methodological Behaviorism, Neobehaviorism acknowledges internal states that mediate between stimulus and response. Drive, cognitive maps, and habit strength are theoretical concepts that cannot be directly observed but are inferred from behavior (Farooqi, 2021). Moreover, it maintains the experimental rigor of behaviorism but extends its scope to include internal processes influencing behavior. Cognitive Behaviorism The ability of individuals to make decisions and solve problems was a mystery to traditional behaviorists for many years. Cognitive behaviorism recognizes that internal mental states like thoughts, beliefs, and expectations are crucial in learning and behavior. This means one needs to examine how individuals process information and use cognitive strategies before understanding behavior (Gandhi & Mukherji, 2023). Cognitive behaviorism distinguishes itself from other schools ...