Psychology Journal

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 Critically thinking about the material presented in the courses you are taking can be challenging, especially when the students believes that they already have a robust understanding of the domain. For example, you may, at this point in your academic career, have already studied behaviorism, so you may believe you already have a deep understanding of what this theory is. However, consider the theory based on learning. The foundations of behaviorism suggest that we learn, not based on thought, but on physiological needs. This foundation was based on radical behaviorism, a sub-theory. Critically consider the evolution of behaviorism, and apply this to the following prompts. Use the following to explain each question.

To successfully complete this journal:

  1. Take the pre-test in Chapter 1: The Foundations of Behaviorism in your required text. Discuss your results.
  2. Discuss the ambiguity suggested by the multiple sub-theories and frameworks of behaviorism.
    • Hint: Do the numerous sub-theories indicate differing suggestions although one overarching definition of behaviorism is often presented?
  3. Explain how association doctrine and later, connectionism, evolved the foundations of behaviorism.
  4. Compare and contrast the stimulus-response (S-R) model and the law of effect and how the inclusion of a confirming reaction change the model.
  5. Outline the historical evolution of behaviorism suggested by its sub-theories (e.g. molar, radial, and psychological behaviorism).
  6. Summarize any takeaways that you have developed about behaviorism, including its sub-theories, based on the content this week.

Once you have finished writing, consider running the tool Turnitin (found in your Course Resources tab) to assure you have successfully used your own voice, rather than another authors.

Your journal this week should be 700 to 900 words and have an introduction and a conclusion as described in the Writing Centers resource . You should exhibit obvious attention to critical thought and understanding of the content, as demonstrated in TED-Ed Animation .