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Friday, June 25, 2010

Behaviorism: Practical Implications

Today marked the jillionth time (give or take) that I have seen a presentation on Behaviorism. It has probably been discussed in 97% of my Psych classes and now it has come up for the second time in my graduate studies. It looks like popular theories of Psychology are part of the curriculum across quite a few disciplines.

Anyway, it reminded of some very entertaining youtube videos.

This first one is the airsoft gun and easy button version of the classical conditioning paradigm Pavlov originally used with dogs, bells, and meat. I think it gets the point across.

The second one is a clip from a big bang theory episode in which Sheldon uses chocolate in an operant conditioning paradigm (developed by B.F. Skinner using rats and electric shocks) to shape Penny's behavior. It's pretty funny. Especially since it looks a lot like how my speech therapy sessions go with preschool kids.

Pavlov is pictured above Skinner. Pretty good looking gents huh?

4 comments:

  1. I love the airsoft gun and easy button clip :-)

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  2. ha! amended...that clip from big bang is hilarious! i can totally imagine your speech sessions with the preschoolers

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  3. Also a good one (though the video is really bad):
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfZfMIHwSkU

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  4. No kidding...in so many of my classes we have talked about behaviorism. Theories of Teaching and Learning class I took last term showed us the airsoft and easy button...and an episode of The Office! He also showed us this video on "little Albert." Have you seen it? The poor little boy.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xt0ucxOrPQE

    My teacher cracked up when he showed us this video and said that he was one crazy guy.

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