Behaviorism

Framework

According to Demirezen (1988:135) background of behaviorism growth is

basically, behaviorist theory is psychology theory that was founded by J.B
Watson as a reaction to traditional grammar. This theory was supported by
Leonard Bloomfield, O.N ,Mowrer, B.F Skinner and A.W Staats, Behaviorism
grown in America as a new approach of psychology by making a particular
emphasis on the importance of verbal behavior. The major principle of
behaviorist theory is the analysis of human behavior in observable
stimulus-response interaction as the association between
them. Thorndike was the first behaviorist who explored the learning area in order
to form the association on particular process of behavior and the consequence
itself. There were kinds of behaviorism that the behaviorist theory of stimulus
response learning was developed in operant conditioning from Skinner. He
assumed that all learning to be establishment of habits as a result of
reinforcement and reward. On the other hand, the other behaviorist that was
assumed by Pavlov that stimulus and response work together. The example of
behaviorism based on Pavlov was children developed to learn the language of
their social surroundings naturally whose importance both over language learning
and teaching must never be underestimated .In this respect of behaviorist was in
fact that human and animal learning is process of habit formation. A highly
complex learning task, according to this theory may be learned by being broken
down into small habits. These are formed correct and incorrect response, are
rewarded or punished ( Hubbard Jones and Thornton Wheeler, 1983;326 as cited
in Demirezen (1988:135)). Thus, it is clear that the acquisition of learning in
infancy is governed the acquisition of other habits.
THE DEFINITION OF BEHAVIORISM
According to Waltman (2003) Behaviorism is a theory of animal and
human learning that only focuses on objectively observable behaviors. While, (as
retrieved in http://www.learningteaching.info/learning/behaviour.htm)
behaviorism described as developmental theory that measures observable
behaviors produced by a learner’s response to stimuli. From those definitions of
behaviorism from two experts , I can infer that behaviorism is a theory that
measures observable behavior that are produced by the learner to respond to the
stimuli. The response to stimuli can be reinforced with positive and negative
feedback to condition the desired behaviors. Reward is the positive feedback that
is given to the learners because they can response to the stimuli correctly For
example reward can be realized through stikers, treat , food and shopping, While
punishment is the negative feedback that is given to the learners if they can’t
response the stimuli well. For example for the punishment such as no play time,
extra chores and taking away item. There are some of the key consequences of
behavior. The reward can strengthen the behaviors in order the learners can
increase the behavior. For instance, giving praise to promote good behavior.
While, punishment can decrease the behavior in order the learner don’t want to
do it again . For instance, if the child get extra chores or no recess.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BEHAVIORISM
According to Tomic , Behaviorism attempts to describe , explain and
influence behavior. In this section, I would like to describe the features of
behaviorism.
1. According to behaviorist, the most important causes of motivation for
behaviorism lie outside rather than within the individual.
2. The dualistic portrayal of mankind which distinguishes between mental
processes and observable behavior is scientifically unproductive. For example”
Mary loses control of herself because she is aggressive”. This sentence means
something. Mary is the cause of their observable behavior. However, the only
way to detect the inner characteristics serving to explain behavior in such
pronouncements is to observe this behavior. We see that the cause and effect
have the same source.
3. The scientific study of mankind should be restricted as much as possible
to directly observable quantities.
4. Explanations of human behavior are simple in principle, as behavior arose
out the elementary learning processes, but in practice however , behavior is
quite complex. Both the behavioral patterns of and the outside influences
that effect human beings are complicated.
5. Man is generally a shallow and imprecise observer of both his own and
others’ behavior. The dualistic portrayal of mankind forces him to propose all
sorts of dubious explanations.
6. The attempt to influence behavior must be preceded by a thorough
behavioral analysis. If the attempt to influence behavior fails, then the
analysis is incorrect or incomplete and must be revised.
THE PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING OF BEHAVIORISM
The behaviorism is primarily associated with Pavlov (classical
conditioning)in Russia and J.B Watson. While, B.F Skinner in United
States(operant conditioning). The two types of possible conditioning that are
classical and operant conditioning are explained as follows.
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
Ivan Pavlov is brilliant Russian Behaviorist. He studied about behaviorism
(reflexes) for thirty years and was considered to be the father of conditioning
theory. He concerned in the concept of classical conditioning behaviorism.
Classical conditioning is the process of relax learning. Moreover, the condition
tends to use the behavioral training naturally occurring stimulus is paired with a
response. According to Waltman (2003)the example of classical conditioning is
Pavlov found that providing food to a dog would set off a response by an elevated
salivary flow. He controlled the situation by ringing a bell each time food was
given to the dog. He discovered that he could make the saliva flows just by
ringing the bell, although food was not supplied. The bell , being the secondary
stimulus, was so directly connected with the food or primary stimulus that the
bell brought about the salivary flow or primary response. The relax was triggered
by a new stimulus. He called this “ a conditioned reflex”(Rippa, 1996 as cited in
Waltman(2003)). A learner behavior based on experience became known as
“classical conditioning”.

The principles of classical conditioning (as cited in Cherry)

1. Acquisition is the initial stage of learning when a response is to be
strengthened.
2. Extinction is when the occurrences of a conditioned response decrease or
disappear
3. Spontaneous Recovery is the reappearance of the conditioned response
after a rest period
4. Stimulus Generalization is the tendency for the conditioned stimulus to
appear similar responses after the response has been conditioned.
5. Discrimination is the ability to differentiate between a conditioned
stimulus and other stimuli that have not been paired with an unconditioned
stimulus.
John B Watson(1878-1958)
John B. Watson is the important contributor to classical behaviorism . He
studied the behavior of animals. Watson’s approach was influenced by Ivan
Pavlov who concerned in Classical conditioning. Classical conditioning is the
process of reflex learning. Watson’s approach emphasized in the role of stimuli in
producing conditioned responses. For this reason, Watson may describe it as an
S-R(Stimulus-Response) called ”reflexes”. He believed that one’s surrounding and
background are much more dominant than genetics in the determination of
human behavior. He thought that one’s surroundings were the main stimulus that
established behavior. He considered that if he could be in charge of a child’s
surroundings, he could shape the child into any type of person he sought. In his
research similar to Pavlov’s experiment with a dog’s digestive. Watson trained a
child to fear a rat. When the child came in contact with the rat aloud noise was
made and the child was startled. This led to the eventual fear of furry animals.
Watson believed that if he could make a child fear a rat, then he could create any
situation and response that he desired( Waltman, 2003).
B.F Skinner(1904-1990)
B.F Skinner is American behaviorist whom develop a system based on
operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is the idea that we behave the way
we do because this kind of behavior has had certain consequences in the past.
In operant conditioning there is reinforcement of the behavior by giving reward
or punishment.
Positive reinforcement shows by giving reward to increase the response.

Negative reinforcement shows by giving punishment to decrease response.

The greatest contribution of B.F Skinner was known his studies of how rewards
and punishment influence behavior(Fisher,202 as cited in Waltman :2003). He
taught that reinforcement follows behavior. Human behavior is developed by
previous situations and reinforcements. Behavior enlarges in areas that are
positively reinforced, therefore, we should be controlling, creating events that
reinforce desired behavior. Skinner used a tool which was known the ”Skinner
box”. This box was used to observe behavior in tested situations and for operant
conditioning experiment. For example Operant conditioning( as cited in
Strandrige) is the mouse pushes the lever and receives a food reward.
Therefore, he will push the lever repeatedly in order to get the treat. It means
that the mouse can response to the stimuli well so, the mouse can get reward in
the form of treat .Through his experiment he concluded that behavior could be
changed by providing reinforcement based upon the response.
The principles of operant conditioning (as cited in
Demirezeen(1988:137))
1. Behaviorist theory dwells on spoken languageà learning language is
primarily what is spoken and secondarily what is written.
2. Behaviorist theory is the habit formation theory of language teaching and
learning, reminding us the learning of structural grammarà Language learning
concerns us by “not problem-solving but the information and performance of
habits”
3. The stimulus-response chain, S-Responseà emphasizes conditioning and
building from the simplest conditioned responses to more and more complex
behaviors.
4. All learning is the establishment of habits as the result of reinforcement
and rewardà positive reinforcement is reward, negative reinforcement is
punishment.
5. The learning, due to its socially-conditioned nature, can be the same for
each individual à each person can learn equally if the condition in which the
learning takes are the same for each person.
CLASSICAL VS OPERANT CONDITIONING based on (Cherry,2008)
Classical conditioning
 First described by Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist
 Involves placing a neutral signal before a reflex
 Focuses on involuntary response and stimulus
Operant conditioning
 First described by B.F Skinner, an American psychologist
 Involves applying reinforcement or punishment after a behavior
 Focuses on a voluntary behavior and consequence
THE STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS OF BEHAVIORISM
The next section that will be discussed is the strength and weakness of
behaviorism(As cited in Mergel:1998)

The strength of behaviorism is focused on a clear goal and can respond

automatically to the cues of that goal. On the other hand , the weakness of itis
the learners may find themselves in a situation where the stimulus for the correct
response does not occur, so the learner cannot respond. A worker who has been
conditioned to respond to a certain cue at work stops production when an
anomaly occurs because they do not understand the system.
APPLICATION OF BEHAVIORISM FOR ELT
Behaviorism offers a particular perspective on how learning occurs and how
teaching impacts that process. According to Beavers, Eaglin, Green, Nathan and
Wolfe (2002)) Learning is a persisting change in performance or performance
potential that results from experience and interaction with the world. The
importance of measurable and observable performance and the impact of the
environment comprise foundational principles of the behaviorist approach to
learning.

Some things to remember when incorporating behaviorist principles into your

teaching:
• Write observable and measurable behavioral learning outcomes

• Specify the desired performances in advance (the learning outcomes serve this
purpose) and verify learning with appropriate assessments

• Emphasize performance, and practice in an authentic context

• Use instructional strategies to shape desired skills

• Reinforce accomplishments with appropriate feedback

Behaviorism can be applied through the teaching method such as Audiolingual

method, TPR,Silent way.

A.APPLYING CLASSICAL CONDITIONING IN THE CLASSROOM

The teacher can apply the principles of behaviorism in the classroom that
can be applied through classical and operant conditioning. The key elements
in classical conditioning (as cited in journal from asiaeuniversity).
 A teacher uses attractive learning aids
 Decorate the classrooms
 Encourage students to work in small group for difficult learning tasks
 Greet the students and smile at them when he comes to the classroom
 Inform the students clearly and specifically the format of quizzes , tests,
and examination
 Make the students understand the rules of the classroom
 Give time for students to prepare for and complete the learning tasks.
B.APPLYING OPERANT CONDITIONING IN THE CLASSROOM
In operant conditioning , the consequences of behavior place changes in
the probability that the behavior will occur. Reinforcement and punishment are
two main concepts in operant conditioning. The following are some examples on
how operant conditioning can be applied in the classroom (as cited in journal
from asiaeuniversity)
 Recognize and reinforce positive behaviors and genuine task
accomplishment
 Use various types of reinforcement such as teacher approval (praise,
smile, attention and pats on the shoulder)concrete reinforcement(cookies,
candies and stationery) and privileges(longer recess time and more time with
friends)
 Reinforce good behaviors and punish bad ones consistently
 Use schedule of reinforcement, such as surprise rewards, to encourage
persistence
 Use positive punishment as the last option. Use negative punishment such
as detention class ,instead.
 Punish students’ behavior , not their personal qualities.
 Tell the students which behavior is being punished

Behaviorism
 Students tend to be passive
 The teacher is active in teaching learning process than the students since
the teacher presents and provides for practice and feedback.
 The material is prepared by the teacher.

he role of teacher in behaviorism theory is to

(1) Determine which cues can elicit the desired responses,

(2) Arrange practice situations in which prompts are paired with the target stimuli
that initially have no eliciting power but which will be expected to elicit the
responses in the natural setting,

(3) Arrange environmental conditions.

Behaviorism Overview
Behaviorism is more concerned with behavior than with thinking, feeling, or knowing. It
focuses on the objective and observable components of behavior. The behaviorist theories all
share some version of stimulus-response mechanisms for learning. Behaviorism originated
with the work of John B. Watson, an American psychologist. Watson held the view that
psychology should only concern itself with the study of behavior, and he was not concerned
with the mind or with human consciousness. He considered it paramount that men could be
studied objectively, like rats and apes.

Watson's work was based on the experiments of Ivan Pavlov, and classical conditioning.

Nowadays, behaviorism is associated with the name of B.F. Skinner, who made his reputation
by testing Watson's theories in the laboratory. Skinner ultimately rejected Watson's almost
exclusive emphasis on reflexes and conditioning. Skinner believed that people respond to
their environment, but they also operate on the environment to produce certain
consequences. Thus they partiipate in a feedback loop as an important part of a larger system.

Skinner developed the theory of "operant conditioning," the idea that we behave the way we
do because this kind of behavior has had certain consequences in the past.

Presuppositions of behaviorism:
1. Behaviorism is naturalistic. This means that the material world is the ultimate reality, and
everything can be explained in terms of natural laws. Man has no soul and no mind, only a
brain that responds to external stimuli.
2. A central tenet of behaviorism is that thoughts, feelings, intentions, and mental processes,
do not determine what we do. Behaviorism views behavior as the product of conditioning.
Humans are biological machines and do not consciously act; rather they react to stimuli.
3. Consistently, behaviorism teaches that we are not responsible for our actions. If we are
mere machines, without minds or souls, reacting to stimuli and operating on our environment
to attain certain ends, then anything we do is inevitable.
4. Behaviorism is manipulative. It seeks not merely to understand human behavior, but to
predict and control it. From his theories, Skinner developed the idea of "shaping." By
controlling rewards and punishments, you can shape the behavior of another person.

Other significant behaviorist researchers were Guthrie and Thorndike.

Early behaviorism in retrospect:

Behaviorist theories ultimately have been relegated to mere historical significance as early
attempts to explain learning, but are generally regarded as failures not so much because the
stimulus-response ideas are inaccurate, but more because they are insufficient. They could be
used to explain some behavior, but their generality was extremely limited. Other kinds of
explanations were needed.

Skinnerian behaviorism in retrospect:

Skinner stands out in the history of psychology as a great system-builder.Probably his greatest
contribution was his description of effects of reinforcement on responses. He related these
findings to individuals as well as social groups.

ehaviorists believe in three basic assumptions:

1. Learning is manifested by a change in behavior.

2. The environment shapes behavior.
3. The principles of contiguity (how close in time two
events must be for a bond to be formed) and
reinforcement (any means of increasing the likelihood
that an event will be repeated) are central to explaining
the learning process.

Examples of the applications in

teaching
Here some of the applications of behaviorism in education:

 Directed instruction (a teacher is provides the

knowledge to the students either directly or through the
set up of “contingencies”)
 The use of exams to measure observable behavior of
learning.
 The use of rewards and punishments in our school
systems.
 The audiolingual approach to language teaching.
 and the breaking down of the instruction process into
“conditions of learning” (as developed by Robert Gagne)

Criticism of Behaviorism
 Behavioral theories do not account for free will and
internal influences such as moods, thoughts, and
feelings.
 As a learning theory, Behaviorism doesn’t take into
account important internal processes that take place in
the mind.
 Language acquisition was one type of learning Skinners
learning theory cannot account for. Chomsky for
example, responding to Skinner’s Verbal behavior, shows
that language acquisition occurs because of some innate
abilities that children are endowed with which explains
that they can produce an indefinite number of utterances
they have never heard.
 There are many instances of learning that occurs
without the use of reinforcements or punishments.
 People and animals are able to adapt their behavior
when new information is introduced, even if a previous
behavior pattern has been established through
reinforcement.
 Behaviorists focus on the target, desirable behavior,
that is the product. They fail to explain how humans
learn, the process through which the learning takes
place.
 For a behaviorist what occurs between the stimulus
and the response (the black box) is of little importance.
The very meaning of the learning process is banned from
any scientific analysis in the behavioristic approach (the
black box shouldn’t be opened.)

Types of Behaviorism
Historically, the most significant distinction between versions of behaviorism is
that between Watson's original 'methodological behaviorism', and forms of
behaviorism later inspired by his work, known collectively as neobehaviorism.
Watson's article 'Psychology as the behaviorist views it' is often referred to as
the 'behaviorist manifesto', in which Watson (1913, p. 158) outlines the
principles of all behaviorists:
'Psychology as the behaviorist views it is a purely objective experimental
branch of natural science. Its theoretical goal is the prediction and control of
behavior. Introspection forms no essential part of its methods, nor is the
scientific value of its data dependent upon the readiness with which they lend
themselves to interpretation in terms of consciousness.
The behaviorist, in his efforts to get a unitary scheme of animal response,
recognizes no dividing line between man and brute. The behavior of man, with
all of its refinement and complexity, forms only a part of the behaviorist's total
scheme of investigation'.
Radical behaviorism was founded by B.F Skinner and agreed with the
assumption of methodological behaviorism that the goal of psychology should
be to predict and control behavior.
Skinner, like Watson, also recognized the role of internal mental events, and
while he agreed such private events cannot be used to explain behavior he
proposed they should be explained in the analysis of behavior.
Another important distinction between methodological and radical behaviorism
concerns the extent to which environmental factors influence behaviour.
Watson's (1913) methodological behaviorism asserts the mind is tabula rasa (a
blank slate) at birth. In contrast, radical behaviorism accepts the view that
organisms are born with innate behaviours, and thus recognises the role of
genes and biological components in behavior.