There are many theories that attempt to explain why we
behave the way we do. B.F. Skinner developed his theory of Operant Conditioning
in 1953. According to Skinner, Operant Conditioning is “learning that occurs
when responses are controlled by their consequences” (Ashford and LeCroy, 92).
The basic idea is that positive consequences will increase a behavior, while
negative consequences will decrease a behavior. Examples include giving a child
dessert to increase the behavior of always finishing dinner, while spanking a
child will decrease the behavior of coloring on walls. “By engineering the
environmental consequences of a person’s behavior, it was, according to
Skinner, possible to control this person’s behavior” (Sommerbeck, 2011).
Contrary to Skinner’s Operant Conditioning theory is Albert
Bandura’s theory of Social Learning. According to Bandura’s Social Learning
theory, “learning occurs when people observe role models and learn new behavior
as a result of observations” (Ashford and LeCroy, 92). This theory can be seen
as a child learns to tie shoes by watching another. Bandura also notes that the
relationship between the observer and the model is important. He states that in
order to learn, the observer must recognize values within the model (Sanderse,
2013). The observer will trust that the model’s actions are beneficial because
of the values they possess.
While these theories are completely different, both theories
are relevant. They can be seen in our behavior every day as we learn by
observing and through hands-on experience.
Ashford, J., & LeCroy, C. (2010). Human behavior in the
social environment: A multidimensional perspective. (4th ed., pp. 91-92).
California: WADSWORTH
Sanderse, W. (2013). The meaning of role modelling in moral
and character education. Journal of Moral Education, 42(1),
28-42.
Sommerbeck, L. (2011). Bridging the positions of Rogers and
Skinner: The role of nonlinear dynamic systems. Person-Centered &
Experiential Psychotherapies, 10(3), 198-209.
doi:10.1080/14779757.2011.599516
Although one may not agree with all aspects of any theory, the learner can take what is relevant to them and build on it. The on hands learning appears to be better for most because one is learning by doing and it is embedded in their minds without much thought.
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