PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learnig Theory Comparison

Student Name

Capella University

PSY FPX 6110 Learning Theories in Psychology

Prof. Name

Date

Abstract

Behaviorism and cognitive theory provide contrasting viewpoints on human behavior. Skinner’s radical behaviorism integrates cognition with behaviorism, focusing on operant conditioning’s principles. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior and external stimuli, while cognitive theory highlights the role of internal mental processes, particularly in emotional disorders. This paper compares and contrasts Skinner’s behaviorism and cognitive learning theory through the case study of Greta.

Learning Theory Comparison – How Behaviorist and Cognitive Learning Theorist Look at Greta’s Case

Behaviorism and cognitive theory diverge in explaining human behavior, originating from observations but emphasizing different aspects. While behaviorism concentrates on environmental influences, cognitive psychology delves deeper into internal mental processes during learning. Using Greta’s case, this paper examines Skinner’s behaviorism and cognitive learning theory.

Learning Theory: Behaviorism vs. Cognitive Theory

Skinner’s Behavior Theory

B. F. Skinner, a prominent behaviorist, asserts that learning experiences shape behavior, rooted in the stimulus-response model. Skinner emphasizes observable behaviors and conducts experiments to explore learning laws. His operant conditioning theory elucidates acquired responses, conditioned reinforcement, generalization, and extinction. Positive reinforcement increases behavior likelihood, while punishment decreases it. However, Skinner’s theory overlooks human mental activity, treating the brain as a black box. Despite this limitation, behavior modification applies operant conditioning principles effectively in various contexts.

Cognitive Learning Theory

Cognitive psychology views the mind as an information processor, considering both environmental effects and internal mental processes. This theory explores how information is perceived, interpreted, stored, and retrieved, employing rigorous experiments to infer cognitive processes. However, it tends to focus on logical thinking and overlooks emotional, creative, and social aspects. Despite these limitations, cognitive theory has widespread applications in education and therapy, emphasizing faulty thinking’s role in psychological disturbances.

The Greta Case Seen by A Radical Behaviorist

Greta developed Cynophobia due to traumatic experiences with a black dog in childhood. Her fear reinforced through avoidance behaviors, leading to exacerbated anxiety. Exposure therapy, recommended by behavior therapists, aims to desensitize individuals to feared stimuli gradually.

The Greta Case Seen by A Cognitive Theorist

Cognitive theorists emphasize faulty thinking’s role in psychological disturbances. Greta’s avoidance behaviors stem from her negative beliefs about dogs, perpetuating her fear. Cognitive therapy aims to modify these beliefs to alleviate anxiety.

PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learnig Theory Comparison

Conclusion

Behaviorism and cognitive theory offer valuable insights into human behavior. While behaviorism prioritizes observable stimuli-behavior responses, cognitive theory delves into internal cognitive processes. Combining both approaches may enhance interventions, as seen 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-andfamilies/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. doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2010.06.007

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

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

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

PSY FPX 6110 Assessment 2 Learnig Theory Comparison

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