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Behaviorism for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: bɪ'heɪvjə,rɪzəm

What does Behaviorism really mean?

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Hey there! So, behaviorism is a big word, but it's actually a pretty cool concept. It's all about how our actions and behaviors are influenced by our environment, experiences, and the consequences of our actions. Basically, it's the idea that we learn things based on what happens to us when we do stuff.

Let me break it down a bit more for you. Imagine you do something and it leads to a positive outcome - like getting a gold star for doing your homework. Well, according to behaviorism, you're more likely to keep doing your homework, because you got a reward for it. On the flip side, if something leads to a negative outcome - like getting in trouble for not doing your chores - you're less likely to repeat that behavior because you experienced a consequence.

Behaviorism also looks at how we can learn new behaviors through things like conditioning. That's when we learn to associate certain things with specific outcomes. For example, think about how Pavlov's dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell with getting food. They started salivating just from hearing the bell, even when there was no food around. That's kind of like how behaviorism works - it's all about how our experiences shape the way we behave.

So, in a nutshell, behaviorism is all about how our actions and behaviors are influenced by the things that happen to us. It's like a big puzzle where the pieces are our experiences and the picture they create is our behavior. Cool, right?

Revised and Fact checked by Robert Jones on 2023-11-15 23:52:26

Behaviorism In a sentece

Learn how to use Behaviorism inside a sentece

  • When a dog learns to sit by receiving a treat every time it does so, it is an example of behaviorism because the dog's behavior is being influenced by a reward.
  • A student earning good grades by studying and completing assignments is an example of behaviorism, as their behavior of studying and working hard is being reinforced by the positive outcome of good grades.
  • When a baby learns to smile in response to receiving attention and affection from its caregivers, it is an example of behaviorism because the baby's behavior is being shaped by the positive interaction.
  • A person learning to drive by following specific rules and being rewarded with a driver's license is an example of behaviorism, as their behavior of following rules and practicing driving is being shaped by the reward of obtaining a license.
  • A therapist using positive reinforcement to help a client overcome a fear or phobia is an example of behaviorism, as the client's behavior is being changed through the use of rewards and positive reinforcement.

Behaviorism Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Behaviorism Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Behaviorism Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.