As a learning theory, behaviorism mainly focuses on the observable behaviors of people discounting independent activities that govern the mind state. Numerous behavior theorists define the process of learning as basically the acquisition of particular behaviors based on the environment of an individual. In its entirety, behaviorism represents a broad path to “truth” as it relates to the behavior humans undertake; moreover, it has been a working progress for several centuries. From its foundational basis, forged through a journey in psychological epistemology, humankind began to comprehend and become aware of the creation and sustenance of emotion, behavior and eventually cognition. This esteemed field is rich in its history, and one would be remiss if they fail to recognize the paths that scholars of behaviorism take in a quest to delineate and eventually acquire applicable knowledge. In pursuing the understanding and knowledge of human behavior, self-evident truth vis-à-vis proper experience results to revolutions in this particular subfield of behaviorism. This paper looks at the origins of behaviorism theory and cognitive theory. Furthermore, it expounds on the applications of both theories, having a strong bearing on their relevance in the contemporary world.
The Origins of Behavioral Theory
As a theoretical option in the field of psychology, behaviorism dates back to the twentieth century. As an option, this field of study defined most tenets exuded in experimental psychology, which had the primary purpose of evaluating conscious practices that favored the study of both humans and animals (Windholtz, 1995). Behaviorism commenced with the original writings of Watson, which are now hailed as the Manifesto of behaviorism. These writings chronicle the initial perception of Watson and prescribe a new path in the field of psychology. In a paper titled Behaviorism as a Behaviorist Views it, written by John Broadmus Watson, bold statements ensued leading to a consideration of them being adventuresome in his time; given the grave lacking in empirical evaluations and evidence to substantiate them sufficiently (Watson, 1913). Perhaps his most notable assertions remain to be the most endearing of all time, such as the assertion that behaviorism remains to be the only functionalism that remains logical and consistent (Hart & Kritsonis, 2006). Based on the research Watson did, mostly on animals of a higher order, he strived to enable psychology to attain the level of objectivity seen in most traditional sciences such as chemistry and physics. As this point, while presenting his lecture at the Columbia University, the structuralism and functionalism of Titchener and James respectively were highly predominant. Watson had a strong belief that psychology as a science has to be accepted by the society as a whole and taken seriously. Therefore, for this reason, he became instrumental in exposing the detrimental effects of overreliance on descriptions that are subjective as well as the elucidation of experiences that are conscious and the processes that occur in mind.
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One cannot understate the critical significance of Watson in understanding the origins of behavioral theory. For this sub-discipline to achieve its goal of forecasting and ultimately behavior control, Watson mandated and commenced the use of physical stimuli as the final method in the investigation of various mental states (Hart & Kritsonis, 2006). Furthermore, he agitated that the primary focus of psychology remains to be that of human behavior with a strong emphasis on the aspect of an individual in action and one who is constantly evolving, depending on the environment in which he/she lives in. Ceetham and Chivers (2001), postulate that any review of the literature on theories that involve learning cannot be complete without proper reference to the work of Pavlov. However, Pavlov’s work on the linkage of particular impetuses or classical conditioning which eventually results in the creation of an appropriate behavioral reaction can have the view of being seminal since it accorded the proper foundation for the development of behavioral psychology. Whereas Pavlov was the one who came about with methods of conditioning particular behavioral responses on most animals, Watson applied the same principles to the behavior of humans. Following their additional inputs, backed up with adequate empirical experimentation, the sub-discipline of behavioral theories evolved to a new level of competence and applicability. This objectivity in interpretation and understanding led the learning process to have a view of straightforward mechanisms, which is projected clearly through behavioral responses to different forms of stimulus.
The Origins of Cognitive Theory
The theory of cognition stems from traditional concepts of thinking, which are psychological in nature. Most cognitivists view mental activities that involve deciding, thinking, and remembering on the aspects of how they inspire behavior. The origins of cognitive theory came about from a response to behaviorism. Throughout the twentieth century, the well-documented cognitive revolution was largely a progressing return to the trends and attitudes that existed before the emergence of behaviorism and that were operating outside the United States, where the science of behaviorism had not evolved to warrant consistent support. The failure of behaviorism, in the period ranging from 1920 to 1950 resulted in its replacement or less reliance due to its inability to address pertinent problems related to human psychology correctly. This failure was inherently primarily present in J. B Watson’s institutional manifesto which seamlessly alluded to the continuity of nonhuman animal behavior and human action. This revolution in cognitive theory took on a gradual pace and was exemplified by four conferenced held between 1955 and 1966 on the particular and compelling field of memory. Ultimately, the realization that various concepts and approaches are needed to address the psychology of human development sufficiently led to the fuel that eventually resulted in a commencement of the cognitive revolution. Facts concerning the origins and evolution of cognitive theory are well documented and properly elaborated. In other disciplines as well, the adoption and return to themes that involve cognition occurred, for example, in linguistics. While these subjects are not related to areas of experimental psychology, they are pivotal in bringing an understanding to approached human memory. Ultimately, human information processing, as the cognitive movement was called earlier, evolved to current or abandoned research areas such as problem-solving and free recall.
The Current Application of Behaviorism Theory
The suggestions of exceedingly influential psychologists such as Skinner, Watson, Pavlov, Hull, Bartlett and much more brought about useful results as their ideas continue to influence and evolve the science of psychology; eventually leading to the shaping and molding of the scope of understanding human behavior. Watson and Skinner contributed to the integration of behaviourism and cognitive theory through their methods of learning theories. Overall, bad or good, indifferent or otherwise, psychology still plays a fundamental role through its contributions especially those that relate to the concepts and learning institutions. While many psychology scholars and practitioners may enhance the details of both theories, the aforementioned scientists made the significant contributions to the psychotherapy that is cognitive-behavioral based (Mills & Mos, 1999). As such, through their various contributions, behavior therapy has emerged as one on the most sought after and structures applications that abide with more proactive strategies that ultimately results in the incitation of wanted behavioral outcomes (Mills & Mos, 1999). Among all clinical groups, persons with mental retardation are the most severely hit with behavioral problems. As such, the use of operant learning procedures and concepts are part of the application of behavioral therapies in the process of treatment and complete recovery (Matson & Gardner, 1991).
Current Applications of Cognitive Theory
As a response to the problems associated with thinking such as depression and anxiety, Aaron Beck developed a cognitive therapy which hailed from the application of its principles in the 1960s. Part of the application of this theory, through cognitive therapy, involved the identification of stressors and other contributors to the problem as being part of the process that includes the synthesis of cognitive dysfunction and eventually the right solutions that aid in the manifestation of more desirable actions. Therefore, the primary application of cognitive theory is the handling of mental disorders and the addressing of cognitive dysfunction which primarily entails a strong connection between an individual’s feelings, thoughts, and eventually behavior (Robichaud, 2010). Through the development of sound application techniques such as counselling and active conditioning, cognitive therapy becomes a treatment approach leveraged to provide solutions that apply to individuals who are distressed and those who are exhibiting hypothetically destructive disorders. Other areas of cognitive theory application reside in its use in social psychology and educational psychology. Here, other sub-disciplines evolve that include metacognition, procedural or declarative knowledge and the organization of knowledge. Moreover, new application studies have emerged that include encoding and emotion resulting in an interesting combination that seeks to mediate thought emotion and behavior.
Conclusion
Psychology’s evolution is one that is exceedingly revolutionary especially when one considers the drastic and dynamic changes it has undergone throughout decades of extensive and intensive study. Most significantly, the dominant aspects of psychology which include both cognitive and behavioral theories continue to alter premature theoretical studies into scientific instruments that are legitimate and that have broad application potential. Therefore, suffice to say, behaviorism’s effects affected numerous follow-up studies leading to a heightened school of thought, more perspectives and eventually proper applications. Overall, the origins of behavioral and cognitive theories remain significant in understanding these sub-disciplines. Additionally, comprehending their applications continues to inspire new therapy methods.
References
Hart, K., & Kritsonis, W. (2006). A Critical Analysis Of John B. Watson’s Original Writing: “Behaviorism As A Behaviorist Views It” (1913). National Forum Of Applied Educational Research Journal , 19 (3), 1-5.
Matson, J., & Gardner, W. (1991). Behavioral learning theory and current applications to severe behavior problems in persons with mental retardation. Clinical Psychology Review , 11 (2), 175-183. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0272-7358(91)90094-b
Mills, J., & Moss, L. (1999). Control: A History of Behavioral Psychology. Canadian Journal Of History , 34 (3), 417-421.
Robichaud, M. (2010). Cognitive Therapy of Anxiety Disorders: Science and Practice. Canadian Psychology , 51 (4), 282-283.
Watson, J. B. (1913). Psychology as a behaviorist views it. In R. John Huber, Cynthia Edwards and David Henning Bownton (Eds.), Cornerstones of psychology-readings in the history of psychology (pp.180-191). Asia: Thomson Learning Incorporated.
Windholtz, G. (1995). Emmanuel S. Enchman – A soviet behaviorist and the commonality of zeitgeist. Psychological Record , 45(4), 517-533
