Behavioral Theories

Question 1

Operant conditioning is using reinforcement to change the behavior whether it positive reinforcement or a negative reaction to get unwanted behavior. An example of this would be a reward program for a child when potty training. Many parents use stickers or praise to reinforce that going to the bathroom in the toilet is a good thing. Many jobs in sales use operant conditioning, for example, the more cars a car salesman sells the better their commission.

Observational learning is learning of a new behavior by watching the actions. Over and over again it has been said that children are like sponges. They copy whatever behavior surrounds them because they are using observational learning. Observational learning is used by employers by giving their new employees a mentor. They use the mentor to show their new employees what they expect from them in order to be favorable in their jobs.

Social learning is best defined as learning through observing and socialization. There are several key steps in this theory. The first step in teaching a behavior is to be the example. Being an example shows an employee behavior expectation. The second step is encouraging the employee to imitate the behavior brought on by the employer. The third step is to keep a continuous eye on the employee’s behavior. The fourth key to social learning is to establish consequences to unwanted behavior. For example, attendance is very important in a workplace. For an employer to emphasize its importance, they must not miss work unless it is needed. When they model this behavior to their fellow employees, the employees realized its importance and knows that if one calls in sick too many times, they will get written up. This path then leads to lower raises or ultimately get fired.

Question 2

Classical conditioning plays a role in prejudice by repetition and exposure. A child learns to hate a certain group of people when they are told that a group of people should not be...