PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learnig Theory Comparison

PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learnig Theory Comparison

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6110 Learning Theories in Psychology

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Date

Abstract

Behaviorism and cognitive theory provide contrasting viewpoints on human behavior. Skinner’s radical behaviorism merges thoughts and actions with behaviorism, placing a strong emphasis on the principles of operant conditioning. Behaviorists prioritize observable and measurable behaviors and stimuli, which leads to various learning and therapeutic strategies. In contrast, cognitive theory underscores the importance of internal processes in shaping behavior, particularly how inaccurate beliefs contribute to emotional disorders. This paper aims to compare and contrast Skinner’s behaviorism with cognitive learning theory through the lens of Greta’s case.

Learning Theory Comparison – How Behaviorist and Cognitive Learning Theorists View Greta’s Case

Behaviorism and cognitive theory differ in their explanations of human behavior, both stemming from observations but focusing on different elements. While behaviorism emphasizes the impact of environmental factors, cognitive psychology investigates the internal mental processes involved in learning. This paper utilizes Greta’s case to analyze both Skinner’s behaviorism and cognitive learning theory.

Learning Theory: Behaviorism vs. Cognitive Theory

Skinner’s Behavior Theory

B. F. Skinner, a leading figure in behaviorism, posits that learning experiences shape behavior, grounded in the stimulus-response model. Skinner focuses on observable behaviors and conducts experiments to uncover the laws of learning. His operant conditioning theory explains acquired responses, conditioned reinforcement, generalization, and extinction. Positive reinforcement increases the likelihood of a behavior, while punishment decreases it. However, Skinner’s theory tends to neglect human mental activity, treating the brain as a black box. Despite this shortcoming, the principles of operant conditioning have been effectively applied in various contexts for behavior modification.

Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive psychology conceptualizes the mind as an information processor, taking into account both environmental influences and internal mental processes. This theory investigates how information is perceived, interpreted, stored, and retrieved, utilizing rigorous experiments to draw conclusions about cognitive processes. However, it often emphasizes logical thinking while overlooking emotional, creative, and social dimensions. Despite these limitations, cognitive theory has extensive applications in education and therapy, particularly in addressing the role of faulty thinking in psychological issues.

The Greta Case Viewed by a Radical Behaviorist

Greta developed cynophobia as a result of traumatic encounters with a black dog during her childhood. Her fear was reinforced through avoidance behaviors, which led to increased anxiety. Behavior therapists recommend exposure therapy, which aims to gradually desensitize individuals to the feared stimuli.

The Greta Case Viewed by a Cognitive Theorist

Cognitive theorists highlight the significance of faulty thinking in psychological disturbances. Greta’s avoidance behaviors are rooted in her negative beliefs about dogs, which perpetuate her fear. Cognitive therapy seeks to alter these beliefs to help reduce her anxiety.

Conclusion

Both behaviorism and cognitive theory provide valuable insights into human behavior. While behaviorism emphasizes observable stimuli and behavior responses, cognitive theory explores internal cognitive processes. Integrating both approaches may enhance therapeutic interventions, as illustrated in Greta’s case of cynophobia.

References

American Psychological Association. (2017). What is exposure therapy? Society of Clinical Psychology, July. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy

Clark, D. A., & Beck, A. T. (2010). Cognitive theory and therapy of anxiety and depression: Convergence with neurobiological findings. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 14(9), 418-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2010.06.007

Cutting, J. E. (2012). Ulric Neisser (1928-2012). The American Psychologist, 67(6).

PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learning Theory Comparison

Grusec, J. E. (1992). Social learning theory and developmental psychology: The legacies of Robert Sears and Albert Bandura. Developmental Psychology, 28(5), 776. https://doi.org/10.1037/10155-016

McLeod, S. (2020). Cognitive Psychology. Simply Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/cognitive.html

Skinner, B. F. (1971). Beyond freedom and dignity. Penguin Books.