Behaviorism or Social Cognitive Learning Theory

1439 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: The effect of motivation on students

Behaviorism and social cognitive theories are two great theories to use when setting up a behavior management plan in the classroom. They both offer reinforcements to get desired behaviors. Social cognitive theory focuses on observations that can be used to understand what and how people learn and how they take control of their own behavior (Ormrod, 2011, p. 323). Behaviorism focuses on environmental stimuli that changes individual’s behaviors (Ormrod, 2011, p. 285). Observing and taking care of own behavior and environmental alteration to change a behavior are the key differences between these two methods. When using these in the classroom, both theories are both effective if used with the right student. Behaviorism and social cognitive theories use different methods to reach goals. Identifying the main components of both theories and their differences is the first step to understanding them and how each theory guides behavior management in classrooms. Behaviorism will be first.
First behaviorism is used to identify what is going on in the environment to cause a particular behavior. If Bob punches Joe in the face the teacher needs to find out why and how this behavior can be conditioned which is when the teacher is teaching Bob an appropriate response (behavior) to a particular event (stimuli) into a positive outcome. Using behaviorism methods the teacher can do this. The instructor must look into Bob’s back ground first. (He is a 10 year old boy that was raised in a foster home of all different ages of boys. It has been reported that physical violence was present in this foster home). “Learning involves forming associations among stimuli and responses” (Ormrod, 2011, p. 286) so the teacher must quickly look at wha...

... middle of paper ...

...le but not grunted. This future reinforcement can be going to basketball practice every day in hopes of winning every game. Vicarious reinforcement can be describes as watching a team of basketball players who were rumored to practice twice as long as other teams win numerous games. This could lead to the observers to learn that longer practice can equal more wins. Vicarious punishment is when another person is observed being punished leading to the unlikelihood of observers avoiding the same punishable behavior. This proves that learners have some control of their learning and performances (Ormrod, 2011, pp. 324-327). Motivation fits in with self-efficacy. After comparing Behaviorism and Social Cognitive theories there is not a significant difference in the goals.

Works Cited
Ormrod, J. E. (2011). Edcational Psychology Developing Learners. Boston: Pearson.

Show More
Related

  • General Phych

    364 Words  | 1 Pages

    The behavioristic approach to psychology relies on the premise of behavior as a reflection of the mind, though influenced by outside forces. Such forces exert influence upon free will, affecting a change in behavior, through association (relationships of ideas) or reinforcement (support of ideas).

    Read More

  • Discussion Board #2: Behaviorism and Tantrums

    622 Words  | 2 Pages

    Behaviorism, or learning theory is one of three “grand theories” of human development. The focus of behaviorism is observable behavior, with no reference to mental processes. As a learning theory behaviorism, assumes that learning occurs via interactions with the environment, through the process of conditioning.

    Read More

  • Social Crime And Social Learning Theory Vs. Trait Theory

    1308 Words  | 3 Pages

    The social learning theory extends this by taking into account that we may see other people being rewarded or punished, and adapt our own behaviour accordingly. However, social learning theory and behaviorism does not take into account that people have thoughts. It assumes that we have no free will over what we do and only respond according to what we have previously been exposed to. It also concerns itself solely with observable behaviors. Social learning theory can therefore be improved by attempting to explain where our thoughts come from, and how they affect our

    Read More

  • Albert Bandura's Theory Of Social Cognitive Theory

    934 Words  | 2 Pages

    Social Cognitive theory is a learning theory, in light of individuals with new practices can be, learned by watching others. They learn by watching others and copying a model. This theory is established from behaviorism, in light of the fact that the theory manages subjective and enthusiastic parts of somebody 's conduct from watching and watching for comprehension behavioral change.

    Read More

  • Social Cognitive Theory

    2142 Words  | 5 Pages

    Theoretical perspectives in the study of human behavior can easily be applied to cases in social work practice. The mental health field in particular lends itself to the application of different human behavior theories. Specifically, depression can be viewed through the lens of Social Cognitive Theory, or Social Cognitive Learning. There is one case of a woman with depression, whose name will be changed, that social cognitive theory can be applied to. Cheryl is a 58 year old woman who has been diagnosed with Major depressive disorder. She has had this diagnosis since she was 17 years old. Many of her symptoms and experiences can be viewed or explained in terms of social cognitive theory.

    Read More

  • Behavioral Learning Theories

    879 Words  | 2 Pages

    since the existence of the mind could not be proven from the observation of behavior,

    Read More

  • Social Cognitive Theory of Learning

    1656 Words  | 4 Pages

    Social cognitive theory of learning is a theoretical perspective that focuses on learning by observing others and eventually assuming control over one’s own behavior (Ormrod, 2011, p.323). Social cognitive theory is a perspective that helps us understand about learning by observing other people doing the same thing. This theory is a blend of behaviorism and cognitive psychology (Ormrod, 2011). Behaviorism theory relates to learning as a stimulus- response relationship and suggests that learning involves a behavior change whereas according to social cognitive theory learning is an internal process that may or may not lead to a behavior change. For example one might attempt to ride a bicycle as soon as they learn to ride the bicycle but learning how to put air in the bike may not be needed until the bicycle need air.

    Read More

  • Social Cognitive Learning Theory Paper

    1298 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are so many theories that have come about over the years that try to explain why we have a certain personality. Many of these theories were based on the environment at the time and observations. Thinking about those other theories made me realize that many things we do are based on observation and the theory that I feel best suits my personality is the Social-Cognitive Learning Theory that was introduced by Albert Bandura. According to Bandura, the set of cognitive processes by which a person perceives, evaluates, and regulates his or her own behavior so that it is appropriate to the environment and effective in achieving goals (Friedman & Schustack, 2012, pg.236). This theory focuses on the way people learn by observing others and

    Read More

  • Behaviorism Essay

    1925 Words  | 4 Pages

    Many psychologists have contributed to behaviorism becoming the approach that is today. Behaviorism was first presented by the American psychologist John B.Watson. The new concept that Watson presented perceived behavior as a physiological response to environmental stimuli. He disagreed with the belief that mental processes could not be studied scientifically (Behaviorism, 2013). Watson sought to make psychology “a purely objective, experimental branch of natural science,” with conditioning as one of its chief methods (Irvine, 2007). Watson took an extreme standpoint on environmentalism and stated that personality can be created (Irvine, 2007).

    Read More

  • Compare And Contrast Cognitive And Behavioral Theory

    1266 Words  | 3 Pages

    Hence, behavioral theory main focus is the behavior of the individual. The theory focuses on the positive and negative reinforcement. While, cognitive theory focuses more on the reasoning and consequences, while seeking to change the way one thinks about the actions. Behavioral theory seeks to change the way you act in the situation which will change the situation altogether. The consequences in cognitive therapy are reinforcements in behavioral theory. Meichenbaum (2000) found that cognitions can act as conditioners of behavior, which influences behavior change. Clients can be helped to restructure their cognitions, which can result in behavior

    Read More

  • Behavior And Social Learning Case Study

    1175 Words  | 3 Pages

    The successful application of these theories have been very interdisciplinary in their use, being applicable in the development of disorders and even calculating spending patterns across social groups. Behaviorism and social learning have evolved beyond the original use of solely educational purposes. However, the effectiveness of the behaviorism theory has come into question as an educational approach., L’Ecuyer (2014) explains that the behaviorism approach, “emphasizes the accumulation of information (knowledge), on external behaviors (skills and mechanical habits) and their emotional and physical reactions in given situations, rather than on the person’s internal mental states, such as intentionality, which are much more complex (p.2). The article questions the modern effectiveness of the behaviorism approach on children. I have found that the theory of social learning when paired with the behaviorism theory is still very useful in education, even with the influx of modern technologies. At the very core, behaviorism, both classical and, seeks to explain why humans react to certain stimuli. Operant is more used in socially especially in child rearing, how to effectively discipline and child via reinforcement of positive behaviors or corporal punishment for negative behaviors is still a highly debated topic. Social learning can also heavily influence

    Read More

  • Main contributors to behaviorism

    1205 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are three main behaviorist trends that are associated with Behaviorism and help us to understand human development. These are classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning theory. They not only have historical value but also provide useful concepts to understanding human development.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Jean Piaget's Cognitive Development Theory

    1757 Words  | 4 Pages

    Like stated before this theory does not fit into behaviorism. It fits into constructivism which is “[N]ot believe in innate ideas, but in knowledge that is constructed by each individual in interaction with his or her environment” (Pulaski, 1980, p). Cognitive Development Theory uses the environment help to construct knowledge. “[T]hrough their make-believe were assimilating and consolidating as part of their experience the customs and manners observed in their environment” (Pulaski, 1980, p. 28). In just playing make-believe the child had learned about manners and customs without knowing it at the time. As they get older, they go into the next stage and can understand more complex concepts. With constructivism, they need to be active learner and this is something that happens in Cognitive Development Theory. With that is a need to socialize with other people or students. At a young age “[C]hildren 's verbal interactions are primarily composed of collective monologue conversations”(Wadsworth, 1970, p.69). So at a young age they are becoming active learners so when older they can have better discussion about topic and go deeper into

    Read More

  • Cognitive Behavioral Theory

    527 Words  | 2 Pages

    For this week's discussion the theory that resonated with me the most is the Cognitive Behavioral Theory with Dr. Krumboltz. I have always been drawn to the CBT, as I feel that an individual's negative or destructive behaviors can be changed for the better with the right intervention, client understanding, acceptance and awareness of their role in their behavior. Dr. Krumboltz terms this as a learning approach (01:35). The video displays Dr. Krumboltz and his client Robin discussing the issues Robin is experiencing with her mother-in-law, as well as the impact those issues at times have on her marriage.

    Read More

  • Reflection On Learning Theory

    1731 Words  | 4 Pages

    The main instance that I use behaviorism in my classroom is through positive reinforcement. I praise, praise, praise my students all day. Students who are such young learners receive much motivation when they hear praise and specific praise at that. It allows them to be eager to please their teacher and provides a sense of self-accomplishment. In my classroom, I also use a treasure chest, reward coupons and PBIS reward money as major components of positive reinforcement. At the beginning of the year, I teach my students my classroom expectations and that I expect the best from them. This includes all of their daily work, including journal writing, morning work, etc. My students know what my desired outcome is. Student’s behavioral efforts are measured and collected on a weekly basis through a behavior chart. Their assignments are measured on accuracy and completeness in order to help them recognize the importance of their effort in finishing an assignment. I utilize a rubric on many of my assignments in order to help them achieve their best. Their meeting certain standards on their weekly behavior chart allows them to receive

    Read More

More about Behaviorism or Social Cognitive Learning Theory

Open Document