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Advantages and Disadvantages of Behaviorist Approach for Learning

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Behaviorist Approach for Learning

The advantages of behavioral learning theory are numerous relative to the other

learning approaches. Owing to its benefits, it is one of the most viable methods for

researching social behavior. Some of the most critical strengths of the behaviorism theory are

its reliance on research, strong enforceability, a wide variety of constructive studies, and its

focus on quantitative analysis. In comparison, behaviorism involves a defined distinction

between humans and animals in the processing of stimulus reactions. Behaviorism is being

commended with making detailed projections that can be statistically validated and generate

conclusions that facts can confirm. For example, in Functional Behavioural Research in

enhancing students' behavior patterns, the roles of students' dysfunctional behaviors may be

analyzed and changed using behavior modification concepts like encouragement (Nolen-

Hoeksema, 2020). Comparably, behaviorism stresses the quantitative assessment of behaviour

in learning practice by offering objective and measurable aspects. The behavioural approach is

easily applicable in the learning practice as the subjects' environment can be easily controlled.

It is understood that the experimental method to behaviorism allows behaviorists to

research human behavior by the use of regulated parameters through quantitative analyses to

determine the significant consequences and triggers of the discrete, extrinsic, and contingent

parameters (McLeod, 2017). Precision in behaviorism may be due to various empirical

characteristics such as rationality, monitoring, hypothesis checking, predictability, and

repetition. Monitoring of variance allows behaviorists to determine the influence of response

variables. In contrast, the impact of the stimulus is determined through the use of predictor

factors and, this increases consistency of the subsequent behavior of a person or laboratory

animal" (Lundahl & Hull, 2015). On the other side, empirical experiments are directed at

evaluating the hypothesis originating from a specific theory; hence, obtained measurements

should be repeated to create a general agreement amongst these theorists (Baum, 2017).
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Consequently, the findings collected offer substantial proof of the remarkable conclusions to

prevent doubt as it is the scenario with the other psychological strategies.

Besides that, the behaviorism technique has an advantage in that it is incredibly

applicable.  Many of the fields in which behaviorism is implemented include social identity

formation, behavior change, cognitive therapy, psychological growth, dependency on

narcotics, and crime. It is applicable in behavioral counseling, cognitive processing,

partnerships, and experimental approaches (Baum, 2017). The usefulness has rendered social

scientists firmly embracing it in education psychology and other empirical fields, contributing

to social behavior studies.

On the contrary, Behavioral learning philosophy is linked with several disadvantages.

Behaviorism has been characterized as entirely predictable, for ignoring intrinsic systems'

function, such as cognition, feelings, perceptions, and inspiration in peoples' behavior"

(Lundahl & Hull, 2015).   Likewise, behaviorism asserts that all actions should be examined

when qualitative phenomena such as thought and feelings are qualitative indicators. Another

drawback to the behaviorist perspective is that the hypotheses are too probabilistic since

behaviorists conclude that our behavior and attitude is dictated solely by external factors such

as classical and operant conditioning, which should be a limitation since behavior can be

inherently unknowable there can be no reasons for it (Baum, 2017).  It further ignores the

extent of freedom an individual possesses and accepts that every individual can make decisions

regarding their behavioral patterns and have ethical obligation regarding their behavior and is a

flaw of the method as an individual would decide to modify their actions and attitude in any

particular time. The world doesn't' need to affect their determination.

Furthermore, the behaviorist method underlines very heavily on nurturing (Lundahl &

Hull, 2015). It emphasizes solely on the environmental impact on an individual, so it

disregards consequences natural world may have on an individual and dismisses biology as a
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justification of behavior that is a weakness as behavior and attitude can be changed and

influenced by circumstanced each day in various forms including where such an individual

resides, places they travel, even the path follow. Besides this, a challenge frequently posed to

behaviorists is 'If studying is the only thing that defines everybody who we are(Baum, 2017).

Therefore we can all be confident of being anything we wish to be,' and several behaviorists

never address this problem adequately, the fact of the matter being that there are several

variables involved influencing our ability apart from education (Baum, 2017). In comparison,

behaviorism ideas were primarily studied on animals; hence the results do not fully translate

to human behavior, which is far more complicated.

Behaviorism doesn't quite explain other aspects of learning, particularly learning,

which happens through retributive justice. As it can be concluded from the

behaviorism theory that most of the human actions and learning ability is due to the influence

of environmental stimulation that works as rewards and punishments. As disputed by other

activists,  not all can be clarified in behaviorism theory. Finally, human beings can change

their behavior as new knowledge is added, even though prior behavioral patterns have been

formed through conditioning (Lundahl & Hull, 2015). It just implies that irrespective of what

actions a person experienced in the past via the training mechanism, he will permanently alter

and adjust it as different situations provide new knowledge. This is particularly correct when

we already have the means of evolution. As humans live, they experience even more learning

opportunities, making them constantly adjust their behavior and attitudes.

References
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Baum, W. M. (2017). Understanding behaviorism: Behavior, culture, and evolution.

https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.library.capella.edu

Lundahl, B. W. and Hull, G. H., Jr. (2015). Applied Human Behavior in the Social

Environment. https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781323264508/

McLeod, S. (2017). Behaviorist Approach. Simply Psychology.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/behaviorism.html.

Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2020). Abnormal Psychology.

https://capella.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781260426151/