Behavioral_and_Social_Learning

Behavioral and Social Learning Approaches Personality Assessment This paper will illustrate a comparison and contrast of Behavioral and Social learning approaches to personality. I will analyze one of my bad habits and apply the behavioral personality theory that explains the habit. I will describe the components of social learning theory and develop a plan that applies classical or operant conditioning that will change the habit. Last, discuss behavior or social learning theory that best describes my personality. Compare and Contrast The Behavioral and Social learning approach have similarities and differences. I have examined the behaviorist perspective to comparing and contrasting the two learning approaches. The behaviorist approach views personality as a mirror of erudite deeds obtained through either classical (Pavlovian) or operant (Skinnerian) conditions of reinforcement by virtue of rewards and punishment (Burger, 2008). A comparatively current addition of Social learning is the Cognitive behavioral approach that accentuates the learning and performance process. Social-Cognitive theory (Bandurain) also engages in thinking and figurative method of information (Burger, 2008, p. 371). Behavioral learning approach was influenced by John B. Watson (1978 – 1958) in 1913. According to Buckley (2000) Watson believed in the experimental method and that the “ultimate objective of psychology should not only be to be able to understand behavior, but to predict and control it.” Watson rejected introspective methods and disagreed with other Psychologists’ exploit of consciousness (Buckley, 2000). Therefore, according to Burger (2008) Behavioral and Social learning theories consists of four characteristic: Behaviorism, Basic Principles of Conditioning, Social Learning theory, and Social-Cognitive Theory. Behavioral is regarded as “attitude change, language acquisition, psychotherapy, student-teacher interaction, problem solving, gender roles, and job satisfaction.” Social learning is regarded as “thoughts, morals, expectancies, and individual insights” (Burger, 2008, p. 358). Two characteristics of behavioral and social learning theories that I agree with are (1) Behaviorism – I agree that behaviorism theory is an overt behavior that can be practical, predicted, and finally managed (Burger, 2008) and (2) Social learning – I believe that in social learning not only does a persons environment influence his or her behavior, but also his or her behavior dictates the environment. An example is the time my ex-husband committed infidelity, belittled me, and asked for a divorce (environment); I humbly accepted his divorce request instead of doing the same thing (behavior). Two characteristics that I disagree with are: (1) Basic Principles of conditioning – I do not believe that human brain operates as an animal and (2) social-cognitive theory – I do not totally agree that human’s behavior is influenced by punishment and rewards. Personal Bad Habit A bad habit that I have is that I tend to be controlling. I developed this habit during my childhood years after being a very passive little girl. I have always been what older people called an “old soul.” I look after my younger sister and my older cousins’ look up to me for guidance. I have to say that my mother and aunt-in-law were my role models for the authoritative habit. My parents, grandparents influenced the adoption of this habit. I remember my grandmother telling my sister that she was always to give me the same respect that she gave her and my parents because I am her older sister. My parents always told my sister that she had to obey me because I am the oldest and that I am always to protect my sister. The controlling habit continued because I am still caring for my sister and at the present time I am a mother, grandmother, and aunt. I want the best for them and if I do not give an opinion on certain matters; they will seek me out for advice in the course of making a decision. In the past, I tried to break this habit with my sister by moving away from her but she still followed. Currently, she and I resides in the same house. I am presently trying to beak this habit with my son, but he still comes to me with issues that I find myself helping him to solve. Last, my cousins are still seeking me for advice and guidance. Behavioral Personality Theory According to Parker, Ornstien, Rieser, & Zahn-Waxler (1994); “John B. Watson (1878-1958) point of view is that it is vital to be very careful how individual emotions were trained early in life because it shaped an independent, self-sufficient, and unemotional personality that resulted in the most purposeful and content people.” Therefore, based upon behavioral personality, my authoritative behavior is conditioned by a learned behavior as a young child watching my mother and aunt as the two were overly aggressive with my father and uncle. Additionally, I was raised to secure the role of leadership to protect my sister at a very young age. As a result, I became an independent, self-sufficient, and partially unemotional person. Social Learning Theory According to Burger (2008), the control deviance is based upon John B. Rotter’s (1916- Present) theory of social learning component; it is the reinforcement value that explains why the habit was formed. Reinforcement value is the level to which we desire one reinforce over another (Burger, 2008). In summation, choosing to be in control holds a higher reinforcement value than being passive and allowing others to continue to walk over me; it is a defense mechanism. Another example, being in control is a higher reinforcement than showing insecurities. Operant Conditioning Plan According to Gale (2006), Operant conditioning was devised by B.F. Skinner (1904-1990) is refers to a methodical plan of incentives and reprimands to control behavior or bring about preferred actions. Therefore, the best plan to change the authoritative habit is the Operant Condition through shaping and self-regulation. According to Stinson, Sales, & Becker (2008, p. 68) “Self-regulation involves the selection of goals by the individual and the search for ways to achieve those goals through a series of cognitive and behavioral processes.” 1. Shaping and Self-regulation - learn to relinquish control by delegating projects, training others adequately, and holding others accountable for his or her actions; whether at home or in the workplace. 2. Primary reinforcer – the delight of becoming stress free and less concern with other people problems. 3. Secondary reinforcer – a spa treatment to include full body massage, manicure, and pedicure. 4. Positive reinforcement – others will receive me as a less stressed person. Social Learning Theory Upon careful evaluation of the behavioral and social learning theories, I have surmised that social learning theory best describe my personality. Therefore, the behaviors that I have exhibited were a result of my environment that caused my behavior to dictate my environment. An example, as a child I saw my mother and aunt speak harshly, control, and run the household affairs over my father and uncle (environment), I took the women actions that I must manage my life and not permit anyone to dictate my course in life (behavior). In conclusion, behavioral and social learning approaches have been influenced by John B. Watson, B. F. Skinner, and Julian B. Rotter. Behaviorism, Basic Principles of Conditioning, Social Learning, and Social-Cognitive Theories are the four characteristic of behavioral and social learning approaches. I have analyzed “control” deviance as a bad habit and devised a plan to revolutionize this habit. The plan consists of shaping and self-regulation with primary and secondary reinforcement. Social learning theory best describes my personality because my environment is a direct result of my behavior.