Behaviorism and Learning Theory?

Question

Raising children from behaviorism (operant conditioning) perspective? (any ideas on how I should answer this) Resources are fine to, I just haven't been able to find much on it, and my text doesn't say much about it. Thanks

Answer 1

well to put it in the most simplest terms: the best way to increase the likelihood of a behavior is to increase positive reinforcement and decrease aversive control (nagging, threatening, punishment). you reinforce positively the behaviors you want to keep, and don't engage the behaviors you want to extinguish (for instance, ignoring a tantrum). but keep in mind that if you consistently reward a behavior, it will begin to decrease (basic animal behavior provides it will do the least amoutn of work possible for the desired goal). the trick is to reward only occasion, and vary the degree of reward (intermittent reinforcement schedule). allow for your child to choose the decisions that effect his/her life.

oh and CONSISTENCY is of utmost importance!

hope this helps, but just for the sake of it i have to note: your child's emotional intelligence is just as (if not more) important. you can raise a perfectly behaved child who lacks the confidence and self-efficacy needed for a self sufficient life. make sure his/her emotional needs are being voiced and met. this will create an air of trust and dependability your child needs to become an emotionally healthy mature adult. and remember, your actions and habits and behaviors are what your child is modeling.

Answer 2

In terms of operant conditioning, the most important thing you can do is use positive reinforcement as much as possible. The key is to provide lots of praise, reward, and attention for your child when they exhibit appropriate behavior. Its up to you to figure out which behaviors you want to reinforce.

Use punishment as a last resort. If your child is exhibiting behavior that you do not like and want to decrease - then ignore the behavior and DO NOT provide positive reinforcement for the behavior. There are a variety of unwanted behaviors that the child may exhibit even after you ignore the behavior.This behavior may even get more frequent or intense before it starts to decrease. Be consistent and I think you will find that using positive reinforcement and ignorning (also called extinction) are two good tools that will have an impact on your child's behavior.

Answer 3

If your taking BF Skinner than they are the same. Can't help you very specifically with the million different version of these concept that have happened since Skinner. Generally Behaviorism views man as a robot and learning theory leans in the direction of pilot.

Answer 4

Kids don't come with owner's manuals. There are many studies, but use your own good judgement. Reinforce the good stuff, discourage the bad stuff.
Remember that you are being monitored 24-7, so all that you do wrties on the slate of who they become.
Kids see their parents as representatives of all adults. They see you as perfect and always right. Whatever you do will teach them how to be. You make good and healthy choices, and so will they. Make bad choices, and so will they.
When they are toddlers, they will try to exert their independence by defiance and manipulation. They are too little and too young to be involved in any decisions that affect them. They are just expected to go along with everything.....it really sucks to be a toddler. They will say "NO" and try to control your behavior (get you to lose your cool, or do things that they want you to do). You have to show them that it doesn't work.
Eventually they will grow up more and exert their independence, and try to make choices without your experience, judgement, and assistance. That happens during adolescence. You have to teach them how to take responsibility for their actions, and let them face some consequences of their poor choices.
There are so many people out there who feel compelled to tell
you how to raise your kids, and books with valuable insight.
But it all comes down to you. You have to have faith and confidence in yourself, and be aware how your actions are perceived and what message they send. As a parent, it is your duty to put your kids' needs first, and teach them the skills they will need to fit in and be productive in society.
Kids are naturally selfish, narcissistic, ungrateful, disrespectful, and unappreciative. Their brain is not fully developed yet, and that is their mentality. It is your job to teach them how NOT to be that way, and how to be the opposite of "entitled"......
People do the best they know how with whateve information they have.
If everyone did things the same way, we'd all be clones....