BEHAVIORAL AND LEARNING THEORIES&

RESEARCH METHODS

Development:

Today

Skinner’s Operant ConditioningBandura’s Social Cognitive Learning

Video of observational learningResearch methods and design

Listen to a standardised surveyCase Study

How to do your case study and get an A!

Skinner’s Behaviorism

Development is learned and changes with experiences.

The mind (cognition) is NOT needed to explain behavior and development.

Consequences of a behavior produce changes in the probability of the behavior occurring.

B.F. Skinner was a behaviorist .He lived from 1904-1990.

Behavior Modification

Helps Children learn desired behavior.Reduces undesirable behaviors by

reinforcement.Negative behavior is not reinforced, but

positive behavior is rewarded.(e.g. I like the way you…).

SHAPING- When reinforcement is done continuously, and desired behavior becomes automatic.

Bandura’s Social Cognitive Learning Theory

This theory emphasizes 3 key factors in development: environment, cognition, and behavior. Learning doesn’t always require direct reinforcement.

Observational Learning: Learning that occurs through observing what others do (imitation or modeling)

Theoretical Orientation

Theories are helpful guides to understanding development.

Like we saw when we looked at developmental issues, theories are not mutually exclusive (it’s not one or the other)!

We should have an eclectic theoretical orientation. This means that it is better to follow multiple theories

for each theory’s best features.

Research Method and Design

Through scientific research conclusions and theories can be tested. We need to collect data to test theories. Observation

Laboratory Naturalistic

Survey and Interview methods Standardised Testing Physiological Measures Case Study

Standardised Survey for Children with ICs

What is (was) your friend’s name?Is (was) your friend a toy like a stuffed animal or a

doll, or is (was) it completely pretend? Can other people see him?

Is it a boy or girl? Is it a person, an animal, or something else?

How old is your friend?How big is your friend?What does your friend look like?What do you like about your friend?What do you not like about your friend?

Case Study

In depth look at an individual.

Looks at the unique nature of a single child’s experiences. Genetic makeup Personal history

Case studies rarely check to see if there is agreement in the scientific community because there is no way to generalise results.

Research Ethics

Ethics boards review research plans to ensure no physical, emotional, or other harm is done to participants and researchers alike

Informed Consent- All participants retain the right to withdraw from a study. Know the study’s risks.

Confidentiality- Researchers are responsible for keeping all data confidential.

Debriefing- After the study all participants must be informed of the purpose of the study.

Deception-Participants may act differently if they know the purpose of the experiment. Deception must not harm participants.