There are a few mental methodologies that aim to characterize human behavior. Some examples are behaviorist and cognitive. The cognitive approach centers solely on the internal and invisible processes that allow people to react to the outside world. In particular, it takes a look at how individuals process the data that they get from their faculties and how they react to this data. Contrasted with alternate sorts of methodologies, the cognitive approach credits complex human conduct to straightforward subjective procedures (Quist, 2018 ). The psychological methodology accompanies a considerable measure of qualities, or, in other words, has picked up a ton of supporters throughout the years and has turned into the favored technique for treatment by numerous analysts(Culatta, 2011). A portion of its qualities incorporates the accompanying:
1. It looks at thought processes, which were ignored by other psychologists, especially behaviorists. Processes such as memory, attention, and perception have been studied as they have an effect on our behavior(Psuf3c, 2011).
2. The cognitive approach’s theories have been applied to cognitive therapies such as Rational Emotive Therapy. This therapy has been successful in changing irrational thoughts into rational thoughts so that behavior improves. Ellis found that Rational Emotive Therapy is successful 90% of the time. This shows that it has been experimented and proved to be effective (Stacey, 2016).
Though the cognitive approach has very strong strengths it has some weaknesses too like:
1.The fact that the cognitive approach is that it is reductionist. An example of this is that it reduces human behavior down to individual processes such as memory and attention. This is a weakness because the human is a product of all the processes working together and not just individual parts (Stacey, 2016).
2. The cognitive approach is too mechanical, it compares the human to computers in that they have similar processes. This is a weakness as humans are more complex than computers, for example, emotions can affect a humans’ output.
The behaviorist approach is quite different. Human behavior is learned, thus all behavior can be unlearned and new behaviors learned in its place. Behaviorism is concerned primarily with the observable and measurable aspects of human behavior(Psuf3c, 2011). Therefore when behaviors become unacceptable, they can be unlearned. Behaviorism views development as a continuous process in which children play a relatively passive role. It is also a general approach that is used in a variety of settings including both clinical and educational (McLeod, 2017). This approach also comes with its strengths and weaknesses.
1. One strength of the behaviorist approach is that it the behaviorist approach has had many successful applications in the real world (particularly in the treatment of mental disorders). Pavlov’s work into Classical condition has been applied to aversion therapy in order to help those with addictions. It has also contributed to treatments that help people who suffer from phobias.
2. Another strength of the behaviorist approach is that it uses scientific methods of research. This is a strength because the experiments are objective, measurable and observable. An example of this is Bandura’s Bobo doll study of aggression (Stacey, 2016).
The downsides to the behaviorist approach follow:
1. This approach is more relevant to animals being used in experiments. This is because animals can not consent to take part and are unable to withdraw. An example of a behaviorist animal study is Pavlov’s dogs which led to classical conditioning principles being developed (McLeod, 2017).
2. It is deterministic, meaning that this approach does not allow us to determine our own behaviors (Davies-Brown, 2012).
3. Many critics argue that behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and that behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts, and feelings. “As my professor told us, behaviorism tends to be ‘superficial’ or shallow in explaining behavior and learning”. It only considers what is observable and measurable, well, in fact, there are various unseen aspects of an individual that are very vital in his or her personalities and learning capabilities(Flores, 2013).
References:
Culatta, R. (2011). Cognitivism. Retrieved from http://www.innovativelearning.com/educational_psychology/cognitivism/index.htm
Davies-Brown, A. (2012, January 08). Strengths & Weaknesses of the behaviorist approach. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/0gumvuddoykz/strengths-weaknesses-of-the-behaviourist-approach/
McLeod, S. (2017). Behaviorist Approach. Retrieved from https://www.simplypsychology.org/simplypsychology.org-Behaviorist-Approach.pdf
P. (2011, December 02). Evaluation of the behaviorist approach. Retrieved from https://psuf3c.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/evaluation-of-the-behaviourist-approach/
Quist, M. (2018). Using Behavioral Learning Theory to Create a Learning Environment. Retrieved from https://study.com/academy/lesson/using-behavioral-learning-theory-to-create-a-learning-environment.html
Stacey, L. (2016, March). Psychological Approaches Strengths and Weaknesses. Retrieved October 14, 2018, from https://quizlet.com/8294726/psychological-approaches-strengths-and-weaknesses-flash-cards/
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