Behaviorism is the study of behavior in animals and humans. It is seen as a philosophy and as well it has a strong impact on psychology. Behaviorism relates to a few of the main areas of philosophy. This includes Ethics and Metaphysics. Abortion is an important ethical issue that is used to fully explain the view of behaviorism. Behaviorism has led to technology advances in the area of behavior modification.
The Stimulus-Response theory of B.F. Skinner is based upon the idea that learning is a function of change in overt behavior. Changes in behavior are the result of an individual's response to events (stimulus) that occur in the environment. One of the principles of his theory is that behavior that is positively reinforced will reoccur.1. He also says that random, but immediate reinforcement is effective. The immediate reinforcement is needed to imprint the desired behavior on the learner. It is well known that behavior is affected by its consequences. Rewards and punishment are necessary so people will behave in different ways. In Operant Conditioning, behavior is affected by it's consequences, but it is not trial-and-error learning. A schedule in reinforcement is important in maintaining certain behavior. Reinforcers may be positive or negative. Negative reinforcement is not punishment; a negative reinforcer reinforces when it is withdrawn. The experimental analysis of operant behavior has led to a technology called behavior modification. This is done by changing the consequences of behavior, removing consequences that have caused trouble, or arranging new consequences for behavior that has lacked strength. Skinner felt that you must "program" behavior in the learner, but he also believed that the learner must be self- paced. Skinner was confident when it came to his theories so he applied many of his ideas with his own children. He put his children into a specially designed learning "box" in the walls of his house to stimulate their learning about the world as well as themselves.