Theories of

Language
Development

By: Chanya B. Agbunag

Behaviorism

– Also known as behavioral psychology, is a theory of learning

which states all behaviors are learned through interaction
with the environment through a process called conditioning.
Thus, behavior is simply a response to environmental stimuli.
It is only concerned with observable stimulus-response
behaviors, as they can be studied in a systematic and
observable manner.
All behavior is learned from the
environment:
– Behaviorism emphasizes the role of environmental factors in
influencing behavior, to the near exclusion of innate or
inherited factors. This amounts essentially to a focus on
learning.
– We learn new behavior through classical or operant
conditioning (collectively known as 'learning theory').
– Therefore, when born our mind is 'tabula rasa' (a blank slate).
Behaviorism

– Is a learning theory based on the idea that a behavior can

be controlled or modified based on the antecedents and
consequences of a behavior.
Behaviorism

– A behavior will only occur if given the right

environment of antecedent.
– The behavior is more or less likely to reoccur based on
the reinforcements or consequences that follows,
such as rewards and punishments.
 Behaviorism

“You can watch TV as Receiving a sticker for a

soon as your done with correct answer on a Math
your homework.” problem.

“Students who “Students who arrive

complete all homework late will receive
this week, don’t have to detentions.”
take the quiz on Friday.”
Application
Limitations:
Universality of the Laws of Learning

– To behaviorists, learning is studied by identifying the environmental

contingencies that give rise to relatively permanent changing of behavior.
– They assume universality of the laws of learning (Classical and Operant
Conditioning).
– The same laws of learning apply to all species.
– The same laws of learning apply to all forms of learning.
– But universality does not mean that behaviors are learned in the same way
for everyone.
Limitations:
Non-environmental factors & learning

– The universality of the laws of learning have been challenged, and with it, the
viability of Behaviorism.
– It is argued that other factors than environmental contingencies influence
learning
– It has been argued that:
– cognitive factors (how you think) influences learning.
– biological factors (brain organization) influences learning.
Limitations:
Cognitive Factors

Role of Observation in Learning?

– Observational Learning: A process in which an individual learns
new responses by observing the behavior or another (a model)
rather than through direct experience.
Ex.
– Albert Bandura observed children’s play with a Bobo doll after
they watched video of an aggressive adult (model) being
rewarded, punished, or having no consequences for her behavior.
He found that observational condition affected performance
Cognitive Factors

Role of Reinforcement in Learning?

- Latent Learning: Refers to learning which occurs in the absence of
reinforcement and that is not apparent until reinforcement is
introduced.
Ex.
- Edward Tolman studied maze-learning in rats given 1 trial per day.
Group 1 found food every time and gradually improved (green line).
Group 2 never found food and didn’t improve (blue line). Group 3
found food on Day 11 (red line) and showed latent learning.
Cognitive Factors

Role of Human Interpretation?

– Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic reinforces are ones interpreted as inherently
(intrinsically through enjoyment, satisfaction, accomplishment) or not
inherently (extrinsically through money, prizes, praise) related to the
action being reinforced.
Ex.
– Extrinsic motivation is when we are motivated to perform a behavior
or engage in an activity because we want to earn a reward or avoid
punishment.
– Intrinsic motivation is when you engage in a behavior because you
find it rewarding. You are performing an activity for its own sake
rather than from the desire for some external reward. The behavior
itself is its own reward.
Limitations:
Biological factors

Universality of the laws of learning suggests that all species learn in

the same way.
Breland and Breland (animal trainers for TV and movies) found
species differences in learning specific behaviors.
– Easy to teach seals to balance a nickel on its nose.
– Impossible to teach raccoons to balance a nickel on its nose.
Animals biologically built differently to learn some behaviors quicker
and easier than to learn other behaviors
 Thank you!
Have a nice day!