· This chapter discusses behavioral learning
theories. One of the main topics of this chapter was classical and operant
conditioning. Classical and operant conditioning are two of the learning
theories in the behavioral aspect. Classical conditioning refers to involuntary
behaviors and operant conditioning refers to voluntary behaviors. Unconditioned
stimulus (US), unconditioned response (UR), conditioned stimulus (CS), and
conditioned response (CR) are all topics in the classical conditioning
spectrum. US and UR both represent automatic responses, except the US is the
one that evokes the UR. CS and CR both represent a learned trait. In operant
conditioning one of the main topics is Skinner’s Antecedent, Behavior, and
Consequence (ABC) theory. In the ABC theory the “A” stands for what happened
before the behavior took place. The use of cues and prompts also go along with
the “A” section. The “B” section is pretty self-explanatory; what behavior took
place. Lastly, the “C” section discusses what happened after the behavior. In
this section the results can either increase or decrease a behavior in the
future. The use of reinforcements and punishments are used in this section.
·
One thing I was confused about after reading
this chapter was the use of some of the different strategies for decreasing
behaviors. I feel like some of the
strategies should not be used in schools anymore, such as the satiation
strategy. The satiation strategy discussed performing a negative behavior over
and over again until it was not rewarding anymore. The example they used was to
keep making spitballs, until it was no longer fun. I feel like this is somewhat
inappropriate.
·
How does a behaviorist define learning? A
behaviorist defines learning as gaining a new behavior. They believe learning
is more centered on what you do with your new learned behaviors, than
knowledge, mental processes, or memories.
You present a pretty extensive list of topics covered in the chapter, but what are some of the big ideas you've pulled from them? If you had to explain the important information you've gathered from this chapter to help a practicing teacher, what would you tell them?
ReplyDeleteDo you feel that satiation strategy is ineffective (is that what you mean by inappropriate)? Why do you think it's inappropriate? Why shouldn't it be used? It's fine to include your opinion in these posts, but it would be great if you could connect this to theory in explaining why it isn't effective (if that's what you meant).
Nice description of behaviorist learning. I'd just note that learning doesn't necessarily mean the ADDITION of a new behavior. Learning could be any change in behavior, including a decrease or disappearance in a behavior.