The behavioral theory of learning was developed by B. F. Skinner, a psychology professor at Harvard University. Skinner believed that human behavior is shaped by consequences, or rewards and punishments. He also believed that people are motivated to seek pleasure and avoid pain.
Behaviorism is an approach to psychology that examines the relationship between stimuli and responses, but does not address inner mental processes such as thoughts, emotions and beliefs. Behaviors that can be observed include verbal utterances and physical actions such as facial expressions or eye movements. Theories based on this approach include classical conditioning (Pavlov), operant conditioning (Skinner) and social learning theory (Bandura). Behaviorism is considered an objective approach because it focuses on observable events rather than subjective feelings or thoughts about those events.
The idea that we can change our behavior by manipulating external factors also leads to problems with discrimination and prejudice because one group may try to control or manipulate another group based on their stereotypes rather than actual knowledge of the other group’s behavior patterns.
Behaviorism is a static theory because it doesn’t allow for change. It says that all behaviors are controlled by external factors and internal stimuli. This idea gives no room for change because you can’t change how something acts unless you change what you do to it.
