This theory was put forward and developed by psychologists John Watson and B F Skinner. It emphasizes the shaping effect of environment on individual behavior, and holds that human behavior is formed by learning and responding to external stimuli.
First, the basic principles and viewpoints:
Environmental shaping behavior: According to the representative theory of psychology, individual behavior is influenced and shaped by environmental stimuli. The stimulation of the external environment will cause the individual's reaction and learning.
Behavior is plastic: according to this theory, individual behavior can be adjusted and changed by changing environmental stimuli, thus shaping different behavior patterns.
Attach importance to conditioned reflex: Theoretically, conditioned reflex is the basic way of learning. Through constant stimulation and reaction, individuals form specific reaction patterns.
Reinforcement and punishment: reinforcement and punishment are important factors affecting behavior. According to this theory, individual behavior can be adjusted and influenced by strengthening or punishing behavior.
Second, the application and practice:
Educational practice: This learning theory is widely used in educational practice. Teachers can set up a reward and punishment mechanism to promote the cultivation of students' good behavior.
Clinical treatment: in psychotherapy and behavior correction, reinforcement and punishment mechanism can also be used to help individuals overcome bad behavior.
Animal behavior research: the theory of psychological representation has also been applied to animal behavior research. By studying animal behavior patterns, we can better understand the influence of environment on behavior.
Three. Controversy and criticism:
Ignoring internal factors: this theory ignores the influence of individual's internal psychological process and thinking activities on behavior and overemphasizes external environment.
Simplify complex behaviors: Sometimes, behaviors are not only influenced by external stimuli, but also individual behaviors may be influenced by many factors.
Too much emphasis on environment: too much emphasis on the influence of environment on behavior, sometimes ignoring the importance of heredity and individual intrinsic characteristics.
On behalf of educational theory, psychology has made great contributions to the development of educational and behavioral learning theory, but there are also some limitations and controversies. It provides an important perspective for us to understand the influence of environment on behavior, but it is not the only way to explain the formation and change of behavior.