The Behaviourist Theory of Learning

John W Gardner (1912 – 2002)

“We think of the mind as a storehouse to be filled when we should be thinking of it as an instrument to be used.”

What is the Behaviourist Theory?

Learning is nothing more than the acquisition of new behaviour based on environmental conditions – linking a new behaviour to a stimulus by providing reinforcement after the correct behaviour is produced.

The Theorists

Pavlov (1849 – 1936)Skinner (1904 – 1990)Watson (1878 – 1958)

Ivan Petrovich Pavlov

Russian scientistNobel prize winner in 1904Famous for “Pavlov’s dogs”

Pavlov’s Dogs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpoLxEN54ho

Pavlov’s Theory

“Events that previously had no relation to a given reflex could, through experience, trigger a reflex.”

Fredholm, L. (2001). Pavlov’s Dog. <http://nobelprize.org/educational/medicine/pavlov/readmore.html?print=1> [accessed 29th March 2011]

Burrhus Frederic Skinner

American PsychologistAuthorFamous for “Skinner box”

Skinner’s Box

www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQtDTdDr8vs&feature=related

Skinner’s Theory

“Changes in behaviour are the result of an individual's response to events”

Kearsley, G. (2011), Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Database. <http://tip.psychology.org/skinner.html> [accessed 29th March 2011]

John Broadus Watson

American PsychologistCoined the term "Behaviourism" in 1913Famous for Little Albert experiments

Little Albert

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt0ucxOrPQE&feature=related

Watson’s Theory

“only observable events, and not mental states, are the substance of psychology”

Epstein, R. (1987), John B Watson. <http://www.answers.com/topic/john-b-watson> [accessed 29th March 2011]

Advantages of Behaviourism

Easily controlled by teacherSome learners benefit from repetitionRewards and punishments are clearEase of motivation

Disadvantages of Behaviourism

Ignores thought processes and emotionsRepetition may become boring Totally teacher orientatedLittle or no input from learners