M2A1-Discussion – Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner
Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner are considered the originators of behaviorism. All contributed to learning theory. All three of the researchers studied the effects of the environment on learning.
> Select one of the three behaviorists who, in your opinion, offers the most compelling argument for the use of behaviorism when teaching a new subject to an adult and to a child. Identify that behaviorist, then answer the following questions about his approach:
> > Describe how that behaviorist would teach an adult a new skill. Be specific; what is the skill?
> > What steps would the behaviorist use?
> > Would that behaviorist use a different approach with a child?
> > Why do you think this behaviorist’s approach is best?
> > What issues or problems do you find in the other two behaviorists’ approaches?
Preview of the answer..
The theorist that offers the best argument
Among the three theorists, John B. Watson offers the best argument. According to his theory, behavior is observable, hence correlate with other events that can be observed. This explanation is very true as people tend to behave in a similar manner to those around them. However, the decision to stick with a learned behavior will depend on the consequences of that particular behavior.
How Watson could teach an adult a new skill
In order to teach an adult a new skill such as frying crumbled eggs, Watson would simply tell the individual to observe what he is doing. Through this observation, the individual will be in a position to know what he or she needs to do in order to learn the skill…
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