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?
