Assignment 1: Behavioral Theorists

Post your response to the topic below with at least 300 words in the Discussion Area by the due date assigned. Cite information from at least one academic source, such as your textbook or an article from the Argosy Online Library, to support your statements. Use current APA standards to properly cite your source(s). Review and respond to your classmates’ posts through the end of the week, asking for clarification, suggesting a different perspective, and/or indicating how their responses illustrate development of their critical thinking skills.

Discussion Topic

Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner are considered the originators of behaviorism. All contributed to learning theory. All three of the researchers studied the effects of the environment on learning.

Select one of the three behaviorists who, in your opinion, offers the most compelling argument for the use of behaviorism when teaching a new subject to an adult and to a child. Identify that behaviorist, then answer the following questions about his approach:

Describe how that behaviorist would teach an adult a new skill. Be specific; what is the skill?

What steps would the behaviorist use?

Would that behaviorist use a different approach with a child?

Why do you think this behaviorist’s approach is best?

What issues or problems do you find in the other two behaviorists’ approaches?

………………………………….Answer preview………………………..

Skinner would use reinforcements and punishment to teach and motivate adults to practice a new skill. He believes that what comes after the behavior is what influences it (Cooper, Heron, & Heward, 2007). Therefore, to teach a skill like saving and budgeting, Skinner may emphasize the possibilities of increased wealth………………………..

APA

273 words

Get instant access to the full solution from yourhomeworksolutions by clicking the purchase button below