Download Click here for Theories of Learning Analysis

Assignment 5: Compare and Contrast Paper
By
Natasha Climens
CSC 200 Section 90
Theories of Learning
Norfolk State University
September 28, 2014
1
Assignment 5: Compare and Contrast Paper
Introduction
Learning Theories are conceptual frameworks that described how information is
observed, processed, and retained during learning. Two of the main learning theories is
behaviorism and cognitivism. Behaviorism was introduced by John B. Watson in 1913.
Behaviorist learning theories emphasize changes in behavior that result from stimulus-response
associations made by the learner (Standridge, 2002). Behaviorist believe that all behaviors are
learned through conditioning. An individual selects one response instead of another because of
prior conditioning and psychological drives existing at the moment of the action (Parkay & Hass,
2000). Cognitivism began in the mid 1950’s in response to behaviorism. Cognitivism refers to
the study of the mind and how it obtains, processes, and stores information (Stavredes, 2011).
Social cognitive and operant conditioning theories are used in classroom management
by educators in order to improve student’s behavior and to improve academic performance.
Social Cognitive Theory was developed by Albert Bandura in 1974. Social Cognitive Theory is the
view that people learn by watching others. Individuals learn by observation, imitation, and
modeling. Operant conditioning was created by Burrhus F. Skinner. Skinners theory of operant
conditioning was based on the work of Thorndike (McLeod, 2007). Skinner believed that
thorough operant conditioning an association is made between a behavior and a consequence
for that behavior. Skinner proposed that our differences in our learning experiences are the
main reason our individual differences in our behavior (Sincero, 2012). The objective of this
2
paper is to compare and contrast the learning theories operant conditioning and social cognitive
theory and the effects it has on classroom management and student’s behavior.
Assumptions of Social Cognitive Theory
The research and scholarly work conducted by Bandura and colleagues set the occasion
for the social cognitive perspective of learning (Bandura, 1986). Bandura’s theory seemed to
challenge the possibility that all behavior could be accounted for by respondent and operant
processes alone. The social cognitive perspective concentrated more on both modeling and
cognition, and their role in understanding behavior. Behavior analysts have continued to
contend that observational learning can be explained through processes of generalized
imitation, conditioned reinforcement, and rule-governed behavior (e.g., Catania, 2007; Pear,
2001; Pierce & Cheney, 2008). Social Cognitive Theory integrates a large number of discrete
ideas, concepts, and sub-processes into an overall framework for understanding human
functioning (Denler, Wolters, & Benzon, 2014). Bandura’s five central concepts are (1)
observational learning/modeling, (2) outcome expectations, (3) perceived self-efficiency, (4)
goal setting, and (5) self-regulation.
Assumption of Operant Conditioning Theory
Skinner introduced operant condition theory based on Edward Thorndike’s research of
classical conditioning. Operant Conditioning is a method of learning that takes place through
rewarding or punishing a certain behavior. Through this method an association is made
between a behavior and the consequence. The components of operant conditioning are
3
reinforcement and punishment. Skinner identified three types of responses that can monitor
behavior, (1) neutral operants, (2) Reinforcers, and (3) punishers (Pappass, 2014). Neutral
operants are responses from the environment that do not increase the probability of a behavior
being repeated. Reinforcers are responses from the environment that increase the probability
of a behavior being repeated and can also be either positive or negative. Punishers are
responses from the environment that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated.
Comparison
Operant conditioning and social cognitive theories believe that the environment of the
student affects the performance of the students (Sitwe, 2010). Operant and social cognitive
theories also strive to improve the teaching and learning process. Both theories provide
instructional ideas with strategies and techniques for aiding learning (Ertmer & Newby, 1993).
Contrast
There are differences between social cognitive theory and operant conditioning. Social
cognitive theory proved that behavior is learned through observing other’s behaviors and
modeling the appropriate behavior. While operant conditioning focuses on learning methods
that rewards and punishes an individual for a behavior. Skinner believed the best way to
understand behavior is to look at the causes of an action and its consequences (McLeod, 2014).
Whereas, Bandura believed that people are “computer processors” and think about the
relationship between their behavior and its consequences (McLeod, 2011). Skinner’s theory
indicated that a behavior can be changed by the use of positive and negative reinforcement.
4
Bandura’s theory is based on modeling in which a person learns through observation rather
than through directly responding and being reinforced for that response.
The Effects of Behavior and Classroom Management
Social cognitive theory provides a foundation for classroom interventions designed to
improve students learning (Denler, Wolters, & Benzon, 2014). Bandura’s theory provides
students with models of knowledge, skills, and behaviors they are expected to learn (Denler,
Wolters, & Benzon, 2014). This theory encourages educators to provide students with multiple
types of models, a period to perform the observed behavior, reflection period to assist in
retention, and motivation.
Using behaviorist techniques in the classroom have improved classroom management
and the student’s behaviors. Behaviorist techniques have long been employed in education to
promote behavior that is desirable and discourage behavior that is not. Operant conditioning
theory introduced methods for practical classroom application such as contracts,
consequences, reinforcement, extinction, and behavior modification (Standridge, 2002).
Behaviorist promote positive behavior by providing compliments, encouragement, and praising
student’s abilities.
Conclusion
Learning theories are essential for effective teaching in that they shed light on different aspects
of the learning process (Yilmaz, 2011). Operant conditioning and social cognitive theories
improve the teaching and learning process. Individually each theory provides education systems
5
with different teaching methods to improve the quality of education that appeals to the way
children learn. Skinner and Bandura assisted teachers with managing classrooms and improving
children’s behavior.
6
References
Denler, H., Wolters, C., & Benzon, M (2014). Social Cognitive Theory. Retrieved September 25, 2014,
from http://www.education.com/reference/article/social-cognitive-theory/
Ertmer, P. & Newby, T. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing Critical Features
From an Instructional Design Perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4): 50-72.
McLeod, S. A. (2011). Bandura - Social Learning Theory. Retrieved September 25, 2014,
from http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html
McLeod, S. A. (2007). Skinner - Operant Conditioning. Retrieved September 25, 2014, from
http://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-conditioning.html
Pappass, C. (2014). Instructional Design Models and Theories: Operant Conditioning Theory. Retrieved
September 25, 2014, from http://elearningindustry.com/operant-conditioning-theory
Parkay, F.W. & Hass, G. (2000). Curriculum Planning (7th Ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
Standridge, M. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and
technology. Retrieved September 25, 2014, from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/
Stavredes, T. (2011). Effective online teaching: Foundations and strategies for student success.
University of Illinois, College of Education Online Web Site. Retrieved September 25, 2014, from
http://learn.education.illinois.edu/file.php/1647/LearningTheory-Jossey-Bass.pdf
Sincero, S.M (2012). Behaviourist Theories of Personality. Explorable Psychology Experiments. Retrieved
September 26, 2014, from http://explorable.com/social-cognitive-theories-of-personality
Swite (2010). Compare and Contrast Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory with Piaget’s Cognitive
Theory. Sitwe. Retrieved September 26, 2014, from http://sitewe.wordpress.com
Yilmaz, K. (2011). The Cognitive Perspective on Learning: Its Theoretical Underpinnings and Implications
for Classroom Practices. Clearing House, 84(5), 204-212. doi:10.1080/00098655.2011.568989