Learning Theories

Behaviorism

Behaviorism as a theory of learning that focuses on objectively observable behaviors and defines learning as the acquisition of new behavior through conditioning that occurs through interaction with the environment. Behaviorism was built upon the works of Ivan P. Pavlov, B. F. Skinner, J. B. Watson, and others. According to behaviorism, conditioning through associated stimuli is the basic process of all behavior and learning. People develop new stimulus-response connections and learn new responses to various situations through the process of conditioning. There are two types of possible conditioning: (1) classical conditioning, where the behavior becomes a reflexive or involuntary response to stimulus, and (2) operant conditioning, where there is reinforcement of the behavior by a reward or a punishment. Classical conditioning starts with a reflex: an instinctive, unintentional behavior caused by an antecedent environmental experience. It is the type of learning made famous by Pavlov's experiments with dogs. Operant conditioning forms an association between a behavior and a consequence that is, learning is the result of the application of consequences. Learners begin to connect certain responses with certain stimuli, and this connection causes the probability of the response to change.

According to behaviorism, behavior can be studied in a systematic and observable way without considering internal mental states or cognitive processes of the learner. Behaviorism assumes a learner is essentially passive, responding to environmental stimuli. Behaviorists argue that adults shape children's learning by providing positive reinforcement. Learners' contribution to the learning process, such as purpose and efforts, and their individual, social, and cultural needs, are ignored in the development of behavioral objectives and the arrangement of learning tasks.

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