Behaviorism

An example of behaviorism:

One example, of many, was a typical math lesson in mid-school. First, the teacher would tell us the basic rule. Then, we would solve as many problems to get a good grasp of the concept. If you make a mistake in one problem, you would be hit on your hand. If you get the answers right, then you are praised by the teacher. If you get the answer right, but in different steps than the teacher proposed, you’re being punished by getting losing grades. The entire focus was on the correct steps to solve an issue.

Stimulus used in the scenario:

Using drill tasks (1) for concepts such as multiplication.

The observable behavior:

solve the math problem by using a “correct” order of steps. If we follow other steps to solve the problem, it will be considered wrong. This is the main reason I consider this to be a behaviorist example.

Positive Reinforcement:

A verbal appraise by the teacher, sometimes we receive a start or a sticker.

Negative Reinforcement:

Sometimes, we receive a physical punishments such as being hit on hand by a stick. Some other times, we receive a warning of physical punishment.