behavioral theory of B.F. Skinner

The behavioral theory of B.F. Skinner is founded on the idea that learning is a result of behavior changes. The behavior changes are due to an individual’s reaction to stimuli that take place in the ecosystem. Reinforcement is an important tool in Skinner’s theory (Johnson et al., 2017). Skinner came up with the operant conditioning theory, which stated that behavior results from its consequences, whether punishments and or reinforcements, making it less or more probable that the said behavior will happen again. Behaviorism brings together elements of the theory, philosophy, and methodology. Behavior can be learned in an observable and systematic manner irrespective of internal mental processes. Consideration is based on observable behaviors, and so emotions, cognitions, and moods are objective. The key concepts in Skinner’s theory are the classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement and punishment, and stimulus equation notions. In all the four perspectives regarding personality theories, the tendency is the only stimulus towards human behavior. Behaviouralism has eight characteristics; these are values, quantification, technique, verification, regularities, integration, systematization, and pure science. Peripheral theories imply that our facial expressions are created at times of ambiguity. However, there is no responsibility for opinions and statements as far as behavioral development is concerned. Christians believe by faith and their belief in Jesus’ death, resurrection, and it is only through this that they have a direct relationship with God, and the forgiveness was assured through Jesus’s death.

Albert Bandura’s social learning theory stresses the role of observing, modeling behaviors, emotions, and attitude reactions of people (Johnson et al., 2017). The theory illustrates human behavior interactions between behavioral, cognitive, and environmental influences. Bandura’s concepts associated with human behavior are imitation, modeling, and observation. Ideally, the theory postulates that individuals learn from one another through imitation, observation, and modeling. The theory acts as a bridge between cognitive and behaviorist learning theories, for it entails memory, attention, and motivation. As pertains to the biblical perspective, social learning theory portrays an individual as a rational agent, active and responsible towards actions, and has the ability to change behaviors (Johnson et al., 2017). Christians influence fellow Christians and other people into doing the will of God. This requires them to be experts to be effective in discipline, teaching, and witnessing. The Christian to lead others should first be concerned with the learning process and ways of bringing permanent and rapid learning. When psychologists talk about learning, they do not necessarily mean learning facts. In the case of Christians, they learn how to study, pray, admit sin, and love others.

Reference

Johnson, D. J., Hopwood, C. J., Cesario, J., & Pleskac, T. J. (2017). Advancing research on cognitive processes in social and personality psychology: A hierarchical drift-diffusion        model primer. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 8(4), 413-423.