LDTC 600 ~ Learning Theory Units

UNIT 2: Behaviorism

An objectivist learning theory, behaviorism demonstrates that certain behavioural responses can be mechanically associated with stimuli. This theory, in an effort to show that psychology is a measurable science, was first formally introduced by American psychologist John B. Watson in 1913 (Cherry, 2021). However, Russian neurologist and psychologist Ivan Pavlov had been researching and experimenting with classical conditioning - the stimulus/response theory - in the two decades prior, most notably known as "Pavlov's Dog" (Mcleod, 2018).

Then, in 1938 B.F. Skinner introduced his theory of operant conditioning - the idea of cause & effect through reinforcements and punishments.

1890's Pavlov's Dog

1913 ~ John B. Watson

Ivan Pavlov's discovery of Classical Conditioning using a bell to condition a dog's response to wanting eat and salivating. Laid the foundation for associative learning and behavior modification.

1913 ~ John B. Watson

After experimenting with Little Albert and causing his fear of rats, John B. Watson publishes his theory of "Behaviorism" coining the word that is used today.

1938 ~ B. F. Skinner

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1938 ~ B. F. Skinner

By placing an animal in a box, providing a stimulus such as level, light or sound, B.F. Skinner would either reward or punish the animal for certain behaviors. This became known as Operant Conditioning.

Dr. Tony Bates, author and professor, discusses in his book "Teaching in a Digital Age" about the various epistemologies and theories of learning. and how behaviorism, as an objectivist view, helps teachers to be in control of what and how students learn, as well as how learners should be assessed. He explains how the transmission of knowledge is essential to be authoritative and clear, encouraging students to not only know the answer but to justify it (Bates, 2022). While this can offer a structured environment it may be too rigid for neurodiverse students that may not respond in typical ways, nor address a learner with more complex or diverse thinking skills.

While I appreciate an objectivist approach there are other methods that can be incorporated in my instructional design course, such as problem-based learning, that can be objective and effective as well, especially since it is designed for more advance adult learners and professionals.

References

Bates, T. (2022). Teaching in a Digital Age: Guidelines for designing teaching and learning (3rd ed.). Tony Bates Associates Ltd. https://pressbooks.bccampus.ca/teachinginadigitalagev3m/

Cherry, K. (2021, February 20). History and key concepts of behavioral psychology. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/behavioral-psychology-4157183#a-brief-history-of-behaviorism

Mcleod, S. (2018). Pavlov’s dogs study and pavlovian conditioning explained. Simply Psychology.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/pavlov.html#:~:text=Like%20many%20great%20scientific%20advances,classical%20conditioning)%20was%20discovered%20accidentally.&text=During%20the%201890s%2C%20Russian%20physiologist,in%20response%20to%20being%20fed

LDTC 600 ~ Learning Theory Units

UNIT 2: Behaviorism

1890's Pavlov's Dog

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1938 ~ B. F. Skinner

1913 ~ John B. Watson

1938 ~ B. F. Skinner

References

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