John B. Watson
What is behaviorism?
A theory focusing on observable behavior rather than thoughts or emotions.
What is operant conditioning?
Learning through consequences of actions.
What is the Law of Effect?
Behaviors with positive outcomes are more likely to be repeated.
What are token economies?
Systems where students earn rewards for good behavior.
Behaviorism today: example?
Using reward systems, behavior contracts, or sticker charts.
Who was Little Albert?
A baby Watson conditioned to fear a white rat.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding something pleasant to increase a behavior.
What is trial-and-error learning?
Learning by trying multiple solutions until one works.
What are behavior charts used for?
To track and modify student behavior consistently.
How can teachers use Skinner’s ideas?
By reinforcing desired behaviors and discouraging unwanted ones.
What method did Watson use to condition him?
Classical conditioning using association with loud noise
What is negative reinforcement?
Removing something unpleasant to increase behavior.
What animals did he study?
Cats in puzzle boxes
Give an example of positive reinforcement.
Giving a student a sticker for turning in homework.
What is the goal of classroom reinforcement?
To create predictable consequences and shape behavior.
What does “tabula rasa” mean?
"Blank slate" children are shaped entirely by environment
What is shaping?
Reinforcing small steps toward a target behavior.
What is the Law of Exercise?
The more a behavior is practiced, the stronger the learning.
How does reinforcement help classroom behavior?
It increases desirable behavior and reduces misbehavior.
Behaviorist view of misbehavior?
It is the result of learned behaviors and conditioning.
Why did Watson believe in strict parenting?
To condition behavior and reduce emotional attachment.
What device did Skinner use in his research?
The Skinner Box.
What does readiness mean in Thorndike's theory?
Children learn best when they are mentally and physically ready.
One downside of relying only on extrinsic rewards?
It can reduce intrinsic motivation.
Behaviorism vs. Social-Emotional Learning?
Behaviorism focuses on action/response; SEL focuses on emotions.