Behaviorism Vs. Pavlov And Edward Thorndike Essay

Behavioral psychology has long been a part of society and an innovative part of psychology since the founding by John B. Watson. Behaviorism stresses the environmental role on behavior and is also referred to as the learning theory (McLeod, 2007). Two major contributors to Behaviorism are Ivan Pavlov and Edward Thorndike. These two very important psychologists had quite different views when it came to conditioning, but are surprisingly similar in some aspects as well. Having lived during the same time, Thorndike and Pavlov were aware of one another’s work and while Pavlov is credited as the father of classical conditioning, Thorndike’s discoveries led to the founding of operant conditioning by B.F. Skinner. To Pavlov, what we learned is a link between stimuli while contrastingly Thorndike believed we learn what is reinforced in our minds. This paper will delve deeper into the similarities and differences of these two psychologists. However, before we can examine Pavlov and Thorndike, it is important to understand Behaviorism and the role it has played. As previously stated, behaviorism focuses primarily on a person’s environment as well as previous life experiences to shape behavior. Unlike structuralism and functionalism which came before that only focused on psychological experiences; with structuralism being focused on the elements of one’s experiences while functionalism is more focused on the purposes of psychological experiences. Behaviorism is concerned with howShow MoreRelatedOperant Conditioning in the Criminal Ju Essay2660 Words   |  11 Pages(Skinner, 1953) What does that even mean? Scientists use so many worlds to say the simplest things. Basically, behavioral psychology is known as behaviorism and based on a theory of learning that is significantly contingent on the premise that behavior is acquired through conditioning. So, what Skinner was trying to say, in layman’s terms is behaviorism is the belief that a nyone can change or be taught to be different. The thought is with the right nurturing and nature, individuals who would normallyRead MoreBehavioral Models Of Personality Is An Important Part Of Our Personality2057 Words   |  9 PagesBehavioral Models of Personality is based on behaviorism, â€Å"the theory or doctrine that human or animal psychology can be accurately studied only through the examination and analysis of objectively observable and quantifiable behavioral events, in contrast with subjective mental states† (behaviorism, n.d.). Behavior has such an impact on our personality, as it reflects how reactions to events and situations that we experience in our lifetime. Although there are many, many different models and theoriesRead Moreconsumer behaviour1622 Words   |  7 Pagesbreakfast food? Colors of foods? Correct clothing for various events Why do you turn around when entering an elevator? Why do men wear ties and women do not? Why do people shake hands, and not touch elbows? Why do you know what constitutes â€Å"good† vs. â€Å"bad† manners? 3. Write short note on a) Consumption Pattern at different stages of Family Life cycle Ans) Consumption  is a major concept in economics and is also studied by many other social sciences. Economists are particularly interestedRead MoreLearning Final Integrative Paper Aisha Khawaja 121972 Words   |  8 PagesThese two types of conditioning are often misinterpreted by many individuals; therefore, it is important to distinguish the two. Learning the different ways animals function and the new behaviors they adapt to are of interest to both Ivan Pavlov and Edward Thorndike. .Sex differences are measured and taken in consideration in both kinds of conditioning processes. Males and females learn and remember differently at different times of their life. Through reinforcement, participants are able to understand