Question 2: Comparing Methodological, Radical, and Cognitive Behaviorism

Question 1

Fundamental difference

Answer 1

The fundamental difference between methodological behaviorism, radical behaviorism and cognitive behaviorism relates to the presence, absence and/or placement of cognitions in the stimulus-response relationship.

Question 2

Methodological Behaviorism

Answer 2

This model excludes the concept or influence of cognition in this process.
Watson argues that psychology should study behavior directly and that private events, such as mental states, are impossible to study directly. Therefore, a stimulus leads to a physiological or motor response (i.e., behavior). (Name calling ⇒ sweating and avoidance.)

Question 3

Radical Behaviorism

Answer 3

Skinner treats everything we experience as behavior, including thinking and feeling.

Although private events are not outwardly observable behaviors, radical behaviorism accepts that we are each observers of our own private behavior.

Therefore, a stimulus leads to cognitive and physiological responses simultaneously. (Name calling ⇒ physiological response, such as sweating and avoidance ✚ a cognitive reaction, such as thinking “oh no I cant go in there!”)

Question 4

Cognitive Behaviorism

Answer 4

An alliance between cognitive theory and behavioral theory.

Claims that actions are not simply unmediated responses to external stimuli, but to their own cognitive appraisal of those stimuli.

Therefore, a stimulus leads to a cognitive response, which then leads to a physiological response. (Name calling ⇒ cognitive response, “oh no I cant go in there!” ⇒ physiological response of sweating and avoidance.)

Question 5

DOWD (2010)

Answer 5

Cognitive and behavioral psychology is the application of behavioral learning principles, cognitive science or both to the assessment and treatment of psychological problems and promoting meaningful change.

applied behavior analysis
behavior therapy
cognitive therapy
cognitive behavioral therapy

CBT views behaviors and cognitions as possible primary change agents, and that behaviors and cognitions can affect each other reciprocally.

Case Conceptualization:
self-report measures
direct observation of client behavior 
client self-monitoring of thoughts and behaviors
...

Question 6

BAUM (1992)

Answer 6

Baum discusses the controversy in using intentional versus behavioral explanations in psychology.

Fundamentally different goals: understanding intelligence and rationality versus understanding behavior.

Intentional explanations are flawed in that they rely on causes that are fictional, whereas behavioral explanations are considered acceptable bases of science that are evolutionarily relevant.

• Intentional explanations of behavior: attribute behavior to hidden nonphysical causes, such as beliefs and desires (i.e., cognitions).
  o Mentalism: Term created by Skinner to describe the practice of using intentional explanations in determining the cause of behavior. Skinner believed that mental objects and events do not have sufficient bases in science
  .
• Historical explanations of behavior: resemble historical explanations of species in evolutionary biology. Discussion/inquiry is confined to the to the physical sphere (i.e., what is specific, observable, and measurable)