Behavioral theories of child development
Behaviorists believe that our actions are shaped by environmental stimuli.Behaviorism is a theory of learning based on the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, and conditioning occurs through interaction with the environment.
Strict behaviorists believe that any person—regardless of genetic background, personality traits, and internal thoughts— can be trained to perform any task, within the limits of their physical capabilities. It only requires the right conditioning.
Behaviorism was formally established with the 1913 publication of John B. Watson’s classic paper, “Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It.”
Watson, who is often considered the father of behaviorism:“Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I’ll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select—doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors.”
Types of Behaviorism
There are two main types of behaviorism used to describe how behavior is formed.
- Methodological Behaviorism
- Radical Behaviorism
Methodological Behaviorism
Methodological behaviorism states that observable behavior should be studied scientifically and that mental states and cognitive processes don’t add to the understanding of behavior. Methodological behaviorism aligns with Watson’s ideologies and approach.
Radical Behaviorism
Radical behaviorism is rooted in the theory that behavior can be understood by looking at one’s past and present environment and the reinforcements within it, thereby influencing behavior either positively or negatively. This behavioral approach was created by the psychologist B.F. Skinner.
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning is a technique where neutral stimulus is paired with a naturally occurring stimulus. Eventually, the neutral stimulus comes to evoke the same response as the naturally occurring stimulus, even without the naturally occurring stimulus presenting itself.
Throughout the course of three distinct phases of classical conditioning, the associated stimulus becomes known as the conditioned stimulus and the learned behavior is known as the conditioned response.
In physiologist Ivan Pavlov’s classic experiments, dogs associated the presentation of food (something that naturally and automatically triggers a salivation response) at first with the sound of a bell, then with the sight of a lab assistant’s white coat. Eventually, the lab coat alone elicited a salivation response from the dogs.
During the first part of the classical conditioning process, known as acquisition, a response is established and strengthened. When an association disappears, this is known as extinction. It causes the behavior to weaken gradually or vanish.
Operant Conditioning
Through operant conditioning, an association is made between a behavior and a consequence for that behavior. Operant conditioning, sometimes referred to as instrumental conditioning, is a method of learning that occurs through reinforcement and punishment.
This behavioral approach says that when a desirable result follows an action, the behavior becomes more likely to happen again in the future. Conversely, responses followed by adverse outcomes become less likely to reoccur.
Criticisms of Behaviorism
Many critics argue that behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior. They suggest that behavioral theories do not account for free will or internal influences such as moods, thoughts, and feelings.