Behaviourism

Pavlov, Thorndike, Skinner — Classical and Operant Conditioning

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Overview

Behaviourism is a foundational learning theory that views all learning as observable changes in behaviour resulting from stimulus-response associations. Unlike cognitive theories that focus on internal mental processes, behaviourism emphasizes what can be seen, measured and modified in the external environment. For JTET, this topic carries significant weight because it directly connects to classroom management, habit formation, discipline strategies and reinforcement techniques that teachers use daily.

The three pioneers you must master are **Ivan Pavlov** (classical conditioning), **Edward Thorndike** (connectionism and laws of learning) and **B.F. Skinner** (operant conditioning). Questions typically test your understanding of their experiments, key concepts like reinforcement versus punishment, and practical classroom applications. Expect 2-4 questions from this area in the Child Development section.

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Key Concepts

• **Behaviourism's core premise**: Learning is a permanent change in observable behaviour caused by external stimuli; internal mental states are not the focus of study.

• **Classical conditioning (Pavlov)**: Learning occurs when a neutral stimulus becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus, eventually producing a conditioned response without the original stimulus.

• **Connectionism (Thorndike)**: Learning is the formation of bonds (connections) between stimuli and responses through trial and error; correct responses are "stamped in" through satisfaction.

• **Operant conditioning (Skinner)**: Behaviour is shaped by its consequences—reinforcement increases behaviour frequency while punishment decreases it.

• **Reinforcement types**: Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant stimulus; negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant stimulus. Both strengthen behaviour.

• **Punishment types**: Positive punishment adds an unpleasant stimulus; negative punishment removes a pleasant stimulus. Both weaken behaviour.

• **Extinction**: When reinforcement stops, the conditioned behaviour gradually disappears.

• **Shaping**: Complex behaviours are taught by reinforcing successive approximations toward the target behaviour.

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Formulas / Key Facts

| Theorist | Experiment | Key Discovery | |----------|------------|---------------| | Pavlov | Dog salivation experiment | Classical conditioning — stimulus substitution | | Thorndike | Puzzle box with cats | Trial and error learning — Law of Effect | | Skinner | Skinner Box with rats/pigeons | Operant conditioning — reinforcement schedules |