Behaviorism Perspective vs. Cognitive Perspective

Attribute	Behaviorism Perspective	Cognitive Perspective
Focus	External stimuli and observable behaviors	Internal mental processes and structures
Learning Theory	Associative learning through reinforcement and punishment	Information processing, schema formation, and problem-solving
Approach to Behavior Change	Behavior modification through conditioning	Changing thought patterns and cognitive restructuring
View on Free Will	Believes in determinism and environmental influences	Acknowledges the role of free will and individual agency

Introduction

Behaviorism and cognitive perspectives are two major schools of thought in psychology that have shaped our understanding of human behavior and mental processes. While both perspectives focus on studying human behavior, they differ in their underlying assumptions, methods, and goals. In this article, we will compare the attributes of behaviorism and cognitive perspectives to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Behaviorism Perspective

Behaviorism is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the role of observable behavior in understanding human psychology. Founded by John B. Watson in the early 20th century, behaviorism rejects the study of mental processes and focuses solely on external behaviors that can be observed and measured. Behaviorists believe that behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement, and that all behavior is a response to stimuli in the environment.

• Focus on observable behavior
• Emphasis on conditioning and reinforcement
• Rejection of mental processes
• Stimulus-response model
• Belief that behavior is learned

Cognitive Perspective

The cognitive perspective, on the other hand, focuses on the study of mental processes such as thinking, memory, perception, and problem-solving. Cognitive psychologists believe that behavior is influenced by internal mental processes, and that these processes can be studied through experiments and observation. Unlike behaviorism, the cognitive perspective emphasizes the importance of understanding how people process information and make decisions.

• Focus on mental processes
• Study of thinking, memory, perception
• Emphasis on information processing
• Belief that behavior is influenced by internal processes
• Importance of understanding decision-making

Key Differences

One of the key differences between behaviorism and the cognitive perspective is their focus on different aspects of human psychology. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behavior and external stimuli, while the cognitive perspective focuses on internal mental processes and information processing. Behaviorism is more concerned with how behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement, while the cognitive perspective seeks to understand how people think, remember, and make decisions.

Another important difference between the two perspectives is their approach to studying human behavior. Behaviorism relies on observable behaviors that can be measured and tested in controlled experiments, while the cognitive perspective uses methods such as introspection, observation, and computer modeling to study mental processes. Behaviorism is more concerned with predicting and controlling behavior, while the cognitive perspective aims to understand the underlying cognitive mechanisms that drive behavior.

Key Similarities

Despite their differences, behaviorism and the cognitive perspective share some commonalities. Both perspectives are rooted in the scientific method and rely on empirical evidence to support their theories. They also both seek to explain human behavior and mental processes, albeit from different angles. Additionally, both perspectives have made significant contributions to the field of psychology and have influenced other areas of study such as education, therapy, and artificial intelligence.

Furthermore, behaviorism and the cognitive perspective both acknowledge the importance of learning in shaping behavior. While behaviorism focuses on how behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement, the cognitive perspective emphasizes the role of cognitive processes in learning and memory. Both perspectives recognize that learning plays a crucial role in shaping human behavior and that understanding the mechanisms of learning is essential for understanding human psychology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, behaviorism and the cognitive perspective are two major schools of thought in psychology that offer different perspectives on human behavior and mental processes. While behaviorism focuses on observable behavior and external stimuli, the cognitive perspective emphasizes internal mental processes and information processing. Despite their differences, both perspectives have made significant contributions to our understanding of human psychology and continue to shape research and practice in the field of psychology.