Types of Behaviors

: Types of Behaviors

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: In this assignment , you will apply the principles of classical and operant conditioning , as well as the notions derived from cognitive explanations of learning . You will write a on one of two types of behaviors that can be readily explained from a learning perspective

Using a Microsoft Word document , write a 500- to 750-word that explains the development of one of the following behaviors (Be sure to specify the behavior you are discussing in your

Fear-driven reactions to insects

Cigarette smoking

Aggression p

For the chosen behavior , use the models of learning to explain how the behavior may develop and be maintained , so that it seems to occur automatically . Learning is the only perspective considered so do not attempt to use other explanations (i .e , the psychodynamic or biological approach ) in your answer

When preparing your , consider the following questions

How might classical conditioning principles apply to the origins of the behavior and maintenance of it ? Clearly indicate what the unconditioned and conditioned stimuli are in your answer

How might the principles of reinforcement discussed in operant conditioning apply to the behavior ? Don 't forget that reinforcement can be either positive or negative in nature

How do cognitive principles apply to the behavior ? Specifically consider Albert Bandura`s ideas regarding imitational learning

Your should be well-written , original , free of grammar and spelling errors , and follow APA format

Behavior can be defined as the sum reactions performed by an individual in a given circumstance or situation in the environment . Aggression is a behavior intended to cause harm or pain to others or the self . It may be in the form a physical action or verbal . The models of learning attempt to describe the manner in which an individual learns a particular behavior . Some of the models of learning through which an individual develops aggressive behavior include classical conditioning , operant conditioning and social learning theory

Classical conditioning was a model of learning defined by Pavlov following his studies on dogs . Pavlov found that when dogs were shown food their salivation increased (Braslau-Schneck , S , 1998 . Food in this case was an unconditioned stimulus that produced an unconditioned response (salivation (Braslau-Schneck , S , 1998 . He then repeatedly presented a stimulus to the dogs which was slowly associated with food (such as footsteps . Slowly the dogs began to associate the footsteps (which after constant repetition became a conditioned stimulus ) and began to produce a conditioned response (salivation . In this way several other emotions such as fear and aggression can be conditioned in an individual (Braslau-Schneck , S , 1998 . In the famous JB Watson 's experiment over little Albert , Watson initially presented a loud sound (unconditioned stimulus ) that made the body frightened and cry (unconditioned response ) due to fear . He then presented two stimuli simultaneously , that is a rat and a loud sound . Over a period of time the boy began to associate the rat with the loud sound . The rat with repetition became a conditioned reflex producing a conditioned response (symptoms of fear . A good instance of this with relevance to aggression includes presentation of an artificial hand that snatches away the food whilst a hungry dog is eating . The dog would exhibit an aggressive reflex (such as barking which is an unconditioned response to the artificial hand (unconditioned stimulus . The dog is then presented a high-frequency sound (audible only to dogs followed ) by the appearance of the hand . Following repetitions , the dog would bark (conditioned response ) after it hears the high-frequency sound (conditioned stimulus , and would not wait until it is presented with the unconditioned stimulus

According to Skinner 's operant theory , the individual when performing an action in the environment , experiences a stimulus (that encourages or discourages such behavior ) which will directly affect the performance of such actions again in the environment . It consists of a action and the results . If positive reinforcement occurs following the action , the individual will perform the similar action again in the environment , and will also increase its frequency (Boeree , G . C , 1998 . However , if the action is followed by an aversive stimulus or negative reinforcement there will be reduced chances of performing the same behavior in the future . A good example of aversive stimuli is punishment , which can follow several aggressive acts . Rigorous imprisonment can be pronounced for several criminal activities so that it can act as a negative reinforcement

Albert Bandura discovered the `social learning theory of behavior (Isom , M . D , 1998 . He considered that aggressive behavior is usually learned through a process known as `behavior modeling , which can occur in different ways (especially by observing elders perform in case of children (Isom , M . D , 1998 . A child may become aggressive and certain reinforcements may be experienced such as financial gains rewards , praises from parents , reduction in internal stress , etc Parents and family members were often considered as models by the children , and acts performed by them were likely to be imitated . The child will only perform the action of its model if the model was successful or is rewarded . A classical experiment to demonstrate the social learning theory is the famous Bobo doll experiments in which the children observed elders attacking a doll , and later imitated the action of the elders . This type of observational learning was known as `modeling . Children who have a tendency to demonstrate aggressive behavior should be identified immediately in to prevent aggressive behavior and criminal activity , later in life (Isom , M . D , 1998 Bandura 's theory was comparable to Skinner 's theory because observational learning (as the child would learn only the actions that were successful or were being rewarded ) is similar to a positive reinforcement . An individual is most likely to learn criminal behavior during the adolescent stage . Children tend to follow the actions of the same sex parents (Bjorkqvist , K , 1997 . Studies have shown that children who tend to watch TV (especially those programs that show violence ) are at a higher risk of demonstrating aggressive behavior later in life

References

Bjorkqvist , K (1997 . Learning aggression from Models : from a social Learning toward a Cognitive theory of Modeling . In Feshbach , S Zagrodzka , J (Ed , Aggression : Biological , Developmental , and Social Perspectives , New York : Plenum Press . HYPERLINK "http /www .vasa .abo .fi /svf /up /articles /Learning_Aggression_From_Models PDF http /www .vasa .abo .fi /svf /up /articles /Learning_Aggression_From_Models .P DF

Boeree , G . C (1998 . Albert Bandura : Personality Theory . Retrieved December 26 , 2006 , From Shippensburg University Web site : HYPERLINK "http /www .ship .edu cgboeree /bandura .html http /www .ship .edu cgboeree /bandura .html

Boeree , G . C (1998 . B . F . Skinner : Personality Theory . Retrieved December 26 , 2006 , From Shippensburg University Web site : HYPERLINK "http /www .ship .edu 7Ecgboeree /skinner .html http /www .ship .edu 7Ecgboeree /skinner .html

Braslau-Schneck , S (1998 . An Animal Trainer 's Introduction to Operant and Classical Conditioning . Retrieved December 26 , 2006 , Stacy 's Wag and Train Web site : HYPERLINK "http /www .wagntrain .com /OC http /www .wagntrain .com /OC

Isom , M . D (1998 . The Social Learning Theory . Retrieved December 26 2006 , FSU College of Criminology and Criminal Justice Web site HYPERLINK "http /www .criminology .fsu .edu /crimtheory /bandura .htm http /www .criminology .fsu .edu /crimtheory /bandura .htm

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Types of Behaviors

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