Learning Theories
Cognitive vs. Behavioral
presented by
Roberto Camargo
EDTC-3320
The purpose of this presentation is to describe
two theorists one cognitive and one
behavioral. It will also describe the theories
of these two theorists. It will analyze how the
selected learning theories impact teaching
and training. It will evaluate the applicability
of each theory.
Introduction
Behaviorism and Cognitivism
Psychologies
Behaviorism and cognitivism are two major
psychological perspectives that have dominated
how learning has been viewed throughout the 20th
century and into the 21st century. These two
perspectives provide unique approaches to how
learning takes place.
Behaviorism Psychology
Behaviorism (or behaviourism)
is an approach to psychology
that combines elements of
philosophy, methodology, and
theory. It emerged in the early
twentieth century as a reaction
to "mentalistic" psychology,
which often had difficulty
making predictions that could
be tested using rigorous
experimental methods.
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive psychology is the study of mental
processes such as attention, language use,
memory, perception, problem solving,
creativity, and thinking. Much of the work
derived from cognitive psychology has
been integrated into various other modern
disciplines of psychological study,
including educational psychology, social
psychology, personality psychology,
abnormal psychology, developmental
psychology, and economics.
The behaviorists believe that learning is due to a change in
behavior as a result of experience, whereas the cognitivists
stress that learning is a change in mental representations and
associations resulting from experience. Not one or the other
should be solely used.
B. F. Skinner
Behavioral Theorist
Burrhus Frederic (B. F.)
Skinner (March 20, 1904 –
August 18, 1990) was an
American psychologist,
behaviorist, author, inventor,
and social philosopher. He
was the Edgar Pierce
Professor of Psychology at
Harvard University from
1958 until his retirement in
1974.
B. F. Skinner
Skinner called his approach to the
study of behavior, Radical
behaviorism. This philosophy of
behavioral science assumes that
behavior is a result of
environmental histories of
reinforcement. In contrast to the
approach of cognitive science,
behaviorism does not feel that
private events such as thinking,
perceptions, and unobservable
emotions as causes of an
organism's behavior.
Skinner’s biggest impact in
education came with his
Operant Conditioning
Theory
Skinner’s Operant Conditioning
Theory
In this operant conditioning process, actions that
are followed by good consequences are reinforced
and therefore those behaviors are more likely to
occur again in the future. Behaviors that result in
negative consequences, on the other hand, become
less likely to occur again.
Jean Piaget Cognitive Theorist
Jean Piaget (August 9,1896 –
September 16,1980) was a Swiss
developmental psychologist and
philosopher known for his
epistemological studies with
children. His theory of cognitive
development and
epistemological view are
together called "genetic
epistemology".
Jean Piaget’s contributions
Piaget was the first psychologist
to make a systematic study of
cognitive development. His
contributions include a theory of
cognitive child development,
detailed observational studies of
cognition in children, and a series
of simple but ingenious tests to
reveal different cognitive abilities.
Piaget’s Impact on Education
Piaget’s theories of cognitive impacted education
by many ways. His principals included focus on
the process of children's thinking, not just its
products. Recognition of the crucial role of
children's self-initiated and active involvement in
learning activities. A de-emphasis on practices
aimed at children becoming 'adult-like' in their
thinking. Acceptance of individual differences in
developmental progress.
The application of behaviorism and cognitivism
theories for the adult educational environment
• Skinner’s Operant Conditioning theory holds true for the adult
environment. Positive reinforcement for example, require that the
learner makes response for questions asked and provide feedback
for positive reinforcement.
• Piaget’s theory of learning applies to adults in technology. The
technology must engage the learner in an interactive platform such
as multimedia and virtual reality. This is in line with Piaget’s
theory.
Conclusion
Behaviorism and cognitivism are two psychological
perspectives of how learning has been viewed throughout the
20th century. B. F. Skinner was a Behavioral theorist and Jean
Piaget was Cognitive theorist. They both have impacted the
educational environment in both traditional and virtual
classrooms.
References:
B.F. Skinner | Operant Conditioning | Simply Psychology. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
Brown, A., & Green, T. D. (2011). The essentials of instructional design: Connecting
fundamental principles with process and practice. Boston: Prentice Hall.
Educational Implications. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/DLiT/2000/Piaget/educate.htm
Operant conditioning. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ctJqjlrHA&feature=player_embedded
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