While behaviorism doesn't have three definitive "principles" in a universally agreed-upon list, it's characterized by three major approaches or types of learning. These aren't principles per se, but rather the main mechanisms through which behaviorists believe learning occurs. They are:
- Classical Conditioning:
- Operant Conditioning:
- Observational Learning:
Let's examine each of these in more detail:
Classical Conditioning
Classical conditioning, primarily associated with Ivan Pavlov's experiments with dogs, involves learning through association.
- Process: A neutral stimulus becomes associated with a naturally occurring stimulus (unconditioned stimulus) that elicits a response (unconditioned response). Eventually, the neutral stimulus alone (now a conditioned stimulus) will elicit a similar response (conditioned response).
- Example: Pavlov's dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) with the presentation of food (unconditioned stimulus), which naturally caused them to salivate (unconditioned response). After repeated pairings, the bell alone (conditioned stimulus) caused the dogs to salivate (conditioned response).
Operant Conditioning
Operant conditioning, championed by B.F. Skinner, focuses on learning through consequences.
- Process: Behaviors are strengthened when followed by reinforcement (positive or negative) and weakened when followed by punishment.
- Example: A rat in a Skinner box might learn to press a lever (behavior) to receive a food pellet (positive reinforcement), increasing the likelihood of pressing the lever again. Alternatively, the rat might learn to press a lever to avoid an electric shock (negative reinforcement), also increasing the likelihood of pressing the lever.
Observational Learning
Observational learning, associated with Albert Bandura, emphasizes learning by observing others.
- Process: Individuals learn by watching the behaviors of others (models), particularly if the model is rewarded for their behavior. This involves attention, retention, reproduction, and motivation.
- Example: A child might observe a parent successfully using a tool and, through observation and imitation, learn to use the tool themselves. This is particularly likely if the child sees the parent rewarded or achieving a positive outcome from using the tool.
In essence, behaviorism emphasizes that learning and behavior are primarily shaped by environmental factors through these three main mechanisms: forming associations between stimuli, learning from the consequences of actions, and observing others.
