Critically thinking about the material presented in the courses you are taking can be challenging, especially when we believe that we already have a robust understanding of the domain. For example, you may, at this point in your academic career, have already studied behaviorism, so you may believe you already have a deep understanding of what this theory is. However, consider the theory based on learning. The foundations of behaviorism suggest that we learn, not based on thought, but on physiological needs. This foundation was based on radical behaviorism, a sub-theory. Critically consider the evolution of behaviorism, and apply this to the following prompts.
To successfully complete this journal:
Take the pre-test in Chapter 1: The Foundations of Behaviorism in your required text. Discuss your results.
Discuss why the multiple sub-theories and frameworks of behaviorism can be confusing based on their differing suggestions.
Give real-life examples of association doctrine and connectionism, and explain the two differing aspects of each.
Compare and contrast the stimulus-response (S-R) model and the law of effect (S-O-R) and how the inclusion of a confirming reaction changes the model. Why does it matter?
Outline the historical evolution of behaviorism suggested by its sub-theories (e.g. molar, radial, and psychological behaviorism).
Summarize any takeaways that you have developed about behaviorism, including its sub-theories, based on the content this week and explain how this evolution supported cognitivism.
Your journal this week should be 700 to 900 words and have an introduction and a conclusion
