Behaviorism vs. Cognitive

Attribute	Behaviorism	Cognitive
Focus	External stimuli and observable behaviors	Internal mental processes
Methodology	Conditioning, reinforcement, punishment	Information processing, problem-solving
Learning Theory	Associative learning	Constructivist learning
Key Figures	John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner	Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky
View on Behavior	Behavior is shaped by external factors	Behavior is influenced by internal thoughts and beliefs

Introduction

Behaviorism and cognitive psychology are two major schools of thought in the field of psychology. While both approaches aim to understand human behavior and mental processes, they differ in their underlying principles and methodologies. In this article, we will compare the attributes of behaviorism and cognitive psychology to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Behaviorism

Behaviorism is a school of psychology that focuses on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them. This approach was popularized by psychologists such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, who believed that behavior could be studied objectively without reference to internal mental states. Behaviorists emphasize the role of conditioning and reinforcement in shaping behavior, viewing it as a response to stimuli in the environment.

• Focus on observable behaviors
• Emphasis on environmental factors
• Objective and scientific approach
• Use of conditioning and reinforcement
• Rejects the study of internal mental processes

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology, on the other hand, focuses on mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. This approach emerged as a response to the limitations of behaviorism in explaining complex human behaviors. Cognitive psychologists study how people perceive, process, and store information, emphasizing the role of internal mental processes in shaping behavior.

• Focus on mental processes
• Study of thinking, memory, and problem-solving
• Emphasis on internal mental states
• Exploration of information processing
• Acknowledges the complexity of human behavior

Comparison

When comparing behaviorism and cognitive psychology, it is important to note their contrasting views on the nature of human behavior. Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors that can be measured and manipulated, while cognitive psychology emphasizes the role of internal mental processes in shaping behavior. Behaviorists believe that behavior is a response to external stimuli, whereas cognitive psychologists argue that behavior is influenced by internal cognitive processes.

Another key difference between behaviorism and cognitive psychology lies in their methodologies. Behaviorists rely on experimental methods to study behavior, using techniques such as conditioning and reinforcement to shape and modify behavior. In contrast, cognitive psychologists use a variety of research methods, including experiments, observations, and computer simulations, to study mental processes such as memory, attention, and problem-solving.

Similarities

Despite their differences, behaviorism and cognitive psychology share some commonalities. Both approaches aim to understand human behavior and mental processes, albeit from different perspectives. They also emphasize the importance of empirical evidence and scientific methods in studying behavior and cognition. Additionally, both behaviorism and cognitive psychology have made significant contributions to the field of psychology and have influenced other areas of research and practice.

Furthermore, behaviorism and cognitive psychology have both been criticized for their limitations. Behaviorism has been criticized for its narrow focus on observable behaviors and its neglect of internal mental processes. Cognitive psychology, on the other hand, has been criticized for its reliance on abstract concepts and its tendency to overlook the influence of external factors on behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, behaviorism and cognitive psychology are two distinct approaches to understanding human behavior and mental processes. While behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and environmental factors, cognitive psychology emphasizes internal mental processes and information processing. Despite their differences, both approaches have contributed valuable insights to the field of psychology and continue to shape our understanding of human behavior.