Behaviorism: Pavlov, Watson,
Skinner environmental learning
Pavlov, Watson, and Skinner are
considered the originators of behaviorism. All contributed to learning theory.
All three of the researchers studied the effects of the environment on
learning.
Select one of the three
behaviorists who, in your opinion, offers the most compelling argument for the
use of behaviorism when teaching a new subject to an adult and to a child.
Identify that behaviorist, then answer the following questions about his
approach:
1. Describe how that behaviorist
would teach an adult a new skill. Be specific; what is the skill?
2. What steps would the
behaviorist use?
3. Would that behaviorist use a
different approach with a child?
4. Why do you think this
behaviorist’s approach is best?
5. What issues or problems do you
find in the other two behaviorists’ approaches?





