Behaviourism Learning Theory 🧠lernen

Behaviourism learning theory is one of the major paradigms in psychology, focusing on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states. This approach was pioneered by scientists like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. According to this theory, all behaviors are acquired through conditioning, which involves reinforcement and punishment. Positive reinforcement strengthens a behavior by adding a rewarding stimulus, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant one.

For example, imagine a dog that sits on command. Every time it obeys, it gets a treat—this is positive reinforcement. In contrast, if a child cleans their room and avoids being scolded, it's negative reinforcement. Behaviourists believe that complex behaviors can be broken down into simpler components and learned step-by-step.

This theory has practical applications in education and therapy, helping shape behaviors in desired directions. However, critics argue that it overlooks the role of cognition, emotions, and innate abilities in learning. Despite its limitations, behaviourism laid the groundwork for understanding how external stimuli influence actions. 🌟 LearningTheory Behaviourism