Behaviorism vs. Cognitivism

Attribute	Behaviorism	Cognitivism
Focus	Observable behavior	Internal mental processes
Learning process	Stimulus-response associations	Information processing
Role of reinforcement	Key factor in learning	Not as central
Emphasis on external factors	High	Low
View of the learner	Passive recipient of stimuli	Active processor of information

Introduction

Behaviorism and cognitivism are two major schools of thought in psychology that have shaped our understanding of human behavior and learning. While both approaches focus on studying behavior, they differ in their underlying principles and methodologies. In this article, we will compare the attributes of behaviorism and cognitivism to highlight their key differences and similarities.

Behaviorism

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that emphasizes observable behaviors as the primary focus of study. It was founded by John B. Watson in the early 20th century and later developed by B.F. Skinner. Behaviorists believe that behavior is learned through conditioning and reinforcement, and that the environment plays a crucial role in shaping behavior. They focus on studying how external stimuli influence behavior and how behaviors can be modified through reinforcement.

• Focuses on observable behaviors
• Emphasizes conditioning and reinforcement
• Believes environment shapes behavior
• Stresses the role of external stimuli
• Behavior modification through reinforcement

Cognitivism

Cognitivism, on the other hand, is a psychological theory that focuses on internal mental processes such as thinking, memory, and problem-solving. It emerged as a response to the limitations of behaviorism in explaining complex human behaviors. Cognitivists believe that behavior is influenced by cognitive processes such as perception, attention, and memory, and that these processes play a crucial role in learning and behavior. They emphasize the importance of mental representations and schemas in understanding behavior.

• Focuses on internal mental processes
• Emphasizes thinking, memory, problem-solving
• Believes cognitive processes influence behavior
• Stresses the role of mental representations
• Understanding behavior through schemas

Key Differences

One of the key differences between behaviorism and cognitivism is their focus of study. Behaviorism emphasizes observable behaviors, while cognitivism focuses on internal mental processes. Behaviorism looks at how external stimuli influence behavior, while cognitivism examines how cognitive processes shape behavior. Another difference is their approach to learning - behaviorism emphasizes conditioning and reinforcement, while cognitivism highlights the role of mental representations and schemas in learning.

Similarities

Despite their differences, behaviorism and cognitivism share some similarities. Both approaches aim to understand human behavior and learning, albeit from different perspectives. They both acknowledge the importance of studying behavior and learning processes to gain insights into human cognition. Additionally, both behaviorism and cognitivism have had a significant impact on the field of psychology and have influenced various areas of research and practice.

Applications

Behaviorism and cognitivism have been applied in various fields, including education, therapy, and organizational behavior. Behaviorism has been used in behavior modification programs, such as token economies and operant conditioning, to change behaviors in individuals. Cognitivism has been applied in cognitive-behavioral therapy to treat mental health disorders by addressing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Both approaches have also been used in educational settings to enhance learning and improve academic performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, behaviorism and cognitivism are two major schools of thought in psychology that offer different perspectives on human behavior and learning. While behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and external stimuli, cognitivism emphasizes internal mental processes and cognitive mechanisms. Both approaches have their strengths and limitations, and each has made significant contributions to our understanding of human behavior. By comparing the attributes of behaviorism and cognitivism, we can gain a deeper insight into the complexities of human cognition and behavior.