Behavior Modification vs. Social Cognitivism
Running head: BEHAVIORISM VERSES COGNITIVISM
Behavior Modification versus Social Cognitivism
by
Diane Blozis
EDD 8124 CRN 50015
Theories of Learning
Nova Southeastern University
October 19, 2012
Abstract Social Cognitive theory is a subset of cognitive theory. Primarily focused on the ways in which we learn to model the behavior of others, social cognitive theory can be seen in advertising campaigns and peer pressure situations. It is also useful in the treatment of psychological disorders including phobias. Behaviorism emphasizes on the learning of facts and skills. Teachers often use this method to lead instruction, according to Overskeid (2008). Behavior modification is a process of learning that avoids any intervening variables and focuses on descriptions of relationships between behavior and the environment, according to a Cooper (1993). This paper will compare and contrast behavior modification with social cognitive theory in schools when trying to get students to change a certain behaviors or learn a new skill.
Social Cognitivism Overskeid (2008) states that although Cognitivism has been in the forefront of psychology for decades, its position has weakened in recent times. Psychologists and neuroscientists who were cognitivists are now rediscovering that understanding behavior is necessary. Cognitivism is an unobservable mental phenomenon according to Overskeid (2008). B. F. Skinner’s example (e.g. 1977, 1990) of behaviorism rejected the cognitivists due the fact that by not seeing the reinforcement process, cognitive psychologists could not gain the understanding of the consequences that either strengthen or weaken a behavior. Cognitivism focuses on the mind and the study of the brain. The thinking process is the major idea looked at with this theory. Critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making and creative thinking are all part of this process (Williams, 1999). Social Cognitivism and behavior modification can be over
Behavior Modification versus Social Cognitivism
by
Diane Blozis
EDD 8124 CRN 50015
Theories of Learning
Nova Southeastern University
October 19, 2012
Abstract Social Cognitive theory is a subset of cognitive theory. Primarily focused on the ways in which we learn to model the behavior of others, social cognitive theory can be seen in advertising campaigns and peer pressure situations. It is also useful in the treatment of psychological disorders including phobias. Behaviorism emphasizes on the learning of facts and skills. Teachers often use this method to lead instruction, according to Overskeid (2008). Behavior modification is a process of learning that avoids any intervening variables and focuses on descriptions of relationships between behavior and the environment, according to a Cooper (1993). This paper will compare and contrast behavior modification with social cognitive theory in schools when trying to get students to change a certain behaviors or learn a new skill.
Social Cognitivism Overskeid (2008) states that although Cognitivism has been in the forefront of psychology for decades, its position has weakened in recent times. Psychologists and neuroscientists who were cognitivists are now rediscovering that understanding behavior is necessary. Cognitivism is an unobservable mental phenomenon according to Overskeid (2008). B. F. Skinner’s example (e.g. 1977, 1990) of behaviorism rejected the cognitivists due the fact that by not seeing the reinforcement process, cognitive psychologists could not gain the understanding of the consequences that either strengthen or weaken a behavior. Cognitivism focuses on the mind and the study of the brain. The thinking process is the major idea looked at with this theory. Critical thinking, problem solving, decision-making and creative thinking are all part of this process (Williams, 1999). Social Cognitivism and behavior modification can be over
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