Gould (2009) states that “Behaviourism came about as a response to the previous practice of introspection, providing a more scientific approach in terms of externally observable behaviour”. “According to behaviourist theorists, all behaviour is learned, thus eliminating any biological influences.” (Armitage. et al 2012). This is highlighted by Wilson (2009) who states “people respond to stimuli and that learning and the ability to learn requires change in behaviour”. This is supported by Gould (2009) who states that “Learning is brought about by the association or pairing of a stimulus with a response”. However Brunner (1957) argues that learning is about making meaning from “things around us”.
Petty (2004) explains that Behaviourist psychologists completed a study using animals and observing the teaching of simple tasks. Thorndike (1874 – 1949) caged hungry cats in ‘puzzle boxes’ within sight of food, the cats learned to pull a string, or operate a level to escape from the box and take the food” (Thorndike’s Law of Effect). Skinner (1904) “taught pigeons, dogs rats and other animals using a ‘skinner box’; in which there was a lever which, when pressed, delivered food to the animal”. This is known as Operant Conditioning, as cited in (Petty 2004). Gould (2009) suggests that Thorndike “made a distinction between pleasurable and unpleasant consequences, for instance behaviour which is reinforced will be repeated”. Wilson (2009) highlights the need for praise during feedback. Petty (2004, Pg. 124) reminds us “don’t lose sight of one of your most powerful ally, the use of reinforcement for good behaviour”.
Wilson (2009, P 52) argues “early research was based on animal behaviour, and that humans are not animals, they are more complex”. This is exemplified by Gould (2009) “...Learning is built up as each new piece of learning is integrated with what has been learned before, leading to a new and deeper understanding”. Stewart (2004) explains the cognitivist...