Behaviorism vs. Cognitive Theory

Attribute	Behaviorism	Cognitive Theory
Focus	External stimuli and observable behaviors	Internal mental processes and thinking
Learning Process	Association and reinforcement	Information processing and problem-solving
Key Figures	John B. Watson, B.F. Skinner	Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky
Approach	Stimulus-response associations	Information processing and schema development
Emphasis	Observable behaviors	Cognitive processes

Introduction

Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory are two major schools of thought in psychology that have shaped our understanding of human behavior and cognition. While both theories aim to explain how individuals learn and develop, they differ in their approaches and underlying assumptions. In this article, we will compare the attributes of Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Behaviorism

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviors and the environmental factors that influence them. Developed by psychologists such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, Behaviorism suggests that behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement. According to Behaviorism, individuals respond to stimuli in their environment, and their behaviors are shaped by the consequences of those responses.

One of the key principles of Behaviorism is the concept of operant conditioning, which involves reinforcing desired behaviors and extinguishing undesired behaviors through positive and negative reinforcement. For example, a child may learn to clean their room regularly if they receive praise or rewards for doing so, while they may stop engaging in a certain behavior if they face negative consequences for it.

Behaviorism also emphasizes the importance of objective and measurable outcomes in studying behavior. Researchers using a behaviorist approach often rely on controlled experiments and quantitative data to analyze behavior and draw conclusions. This focus on observable behaviors and empirical evidence sets Behaviorism apart from other psychological theories that may rely more on subjective interpretations.

Cognitive Theory

Cognitive Theory, on the other hand, focuses on the mental processes that underlie behavior, such as perception, memory, and problem-solving. Developed by psychologists like Jean Piaget and Albert Bandura, Cognitive Theory suggests that individuals actively process information from their environment and use it to make decisions and solve problems. Unlike Behaviorism, which emphasizes external stimuli and responses, Cognitive Theory highlights the role of internal mental processes in shaping behavior.

One of the key principles of Cognitive Theory is the concept of schemas, which are mental frameworks that individuals use to organize and interpret information. According to Cognitive Theory, individuals develop schemas based on their experiences and use them to make sense of the world around them. For example, a child may have a schema for a dog based on their past encounters with dogs, which influences how they perceive and interact with new dogs.

Cognitive Theory also emphasizes the role of cognitive development in shaping behavior. Psychologists like Piaget proposed stages of cognitive development that individuals pass through as they grow and mature. These stages, such as sensorimotor and formal operational stages, describe how individuals acquire new knowledge and skills over time, leading to changes in their behavior and thinking patterns.

Comparing Attributes

When comparing Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory, it is important to consider their key attributes and how they differ in their approaches to understanding human behavior. While Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, Cognitive Theory emphasizes internal mental processes and cognitive development. Behaviorism relies on conditioning and reinforcement to explain behavior, while Cognitive Theory emphasizes information processing and problem-solving.

• Behaviorism:
  • Focuses on observable behaviors
  • Emphasizes conditioning and reinforcement
  • Relies on empirical evidence and controlled experiments
• Cognitive Theory:
  • Focuses on mental processes
  • Emphasizes information processing and problem-solving
  • Highlights cognitive development and schemas

While Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory have their differences, they also share some commonalities. Both theories aim to explain how individuals learn and develop, albeit through different mechanisms. Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory have influenced various fields of psychology and continue to shape our understanding of human behavior and cognition.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory are two major schools of thought in psychology that offer different perspectives on human behavior and cognition. Behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, while Cognitive Theory emphasizes internal mental processes and cognitive development. By comparing the attributes of Behaviorism and Cognitive Theory, we can gain a better understanding of how individuals learn and develop in different ways.