Theory driven (behaviourism theory) (1)
Theory driven (behaviourism theory) (1)
Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental
processes. It emerged in the early 20th century and became influential in psychology, particularly
through the work of researchers such as John B. Watson, Ivan Pavlov, and B.F. Skinner.
1. **Stimulus and Response**: Behaviorists believe that behavior is a response to stimuli in the
environment. This means that behavior can be predicted and controlled by understanding the stimuli
that provoke it.
2. **Conditioning**: Behaviorists emphasize the role of conditioning in learning. There are two main
types of conditioning:
- **Classical Conditioning**: This was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov with his experiments on dogs.
Classical conditioning involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes
associated with a meaningful stimulus and produces a similar response.
- **Operant Conditioning**: Developed by B.F. Skinner, operant conditioning focuses on how behavior
is strengthened or weakened by its consequences. Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement,
punishment, and extinction are central concepts in operant conditioning.
3. **Observable Behavior**: Behaviorists emphasize the importance of observable behavior rather than
focusing on internal mental processes such as thoughts, emotions, or feelings. This makes behaviorism a
more objective approach to studying behavior.
Behaviorism has been influential in various fields, including education, therapy (particularly behavior
therapy), and animal training. However, it has also been criticized for oversimplifying human behavior by
ignoring cognitive processes and internal states. Despite criticisms, behaviorism continues to be a
significant influence in psychology and has contributed to the development of other theories and
approaches.
Hypothesis: Introducing a token economy system in a classroom setting will increase Class participation
among students through positive reinforcement.
One common variable used for measuring classroom participation is "number of times a student speaks
up."
1. Direct Observation: Researchers observe and record behavior in real-time using structured or
unstructured observation methods. This can involve noting specific behaviors, frequencies, durations, or
other relevant aspects of behavior.
2. Behavior Rating Scales: These scales involve rating or scoring specific behaviors based on predefined
criteria. They provide a standardized way to assess behavior across different individuals or settings.
3. Self-Report Measures: Individuals may be asked to report on their own behaviors through
questionnaires or interviews. This can provide insights into their perceptions and experiences related to
behavior.
4. Experimental Designs: Researchers may conduct experiments to manipulate variables and observe
their effects on behavior. This allows for controlled testing of behaviorist principles and theories.
5. Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA): FBA involves analyzing the antecedents, behaviors, and
consequences of a particular behavior to understand its function or purpose. This helps in designing
effective behavior management strategies.
These are just a few examples of the tools used to measure behaviorism theory. The choice of tool
depends on the specific research question and context.