Mentalism and Radical Behaviorism

Mentalism and Radical Behaviorism Phrases Bobby dropped his pencil and got out of his seat to retrieve it each time the teacher asked him to write his name. Ava was very happy at school today. Her teacher stated that she loved playing with other children at school. Stacy calls to make an appointment at her doctor’s ofÏce, because she knows she has the flu. Dana ate cake after having a long day to uplift her emotions. Every time the instructor asks Johnny to wash his hands, he walks to the sink, turns the water on, and washes his hands. Elizabeth follows her mother’s directions, because she knows she will be rewarded for appropriate behavior when she Mentalistic or behavioristic Explanation If mentalisitic, provide an alternative Behavioristic Teacher places demand, Bobby gets out of set (Obervable and Measurable behavior) Mentalistic The phrase uses emotions as an explanation for behavior (happy) that is not measurable or observable Ava laughed 25 times and sang “if your happy and you know it” 8 times today at school. Mentalistic The phrase uses the words “Knowing” as an explanation for behavior that is not measurable or observable Stacy has coughed 9 times, and has had a sore throat for 2 days, so she calls her Doctor to make an appointment Metalistic Uses the term “uplift her emotions” as a way to explain behavior The Instructor places a demand (washing hands), Johnny engages in task presented (observable and measurable behavior) Danas car broke down 2 times today, so she kicked her car 3 times The phrase uses the term “knowing” as an explanation for behavior that is not measurable or observable Elizabeths mom asked her to clean the bathroom, Elizabeth cleans it, and her mother rewards her with two pieces of candy Behavioristic Mentalistic 2 does. Kevin broke his pencil, because he was frustrated with the questions on his math test. Each time the buzzer sounds, the rat approaches the lever and presses it. When this occurs, a food pellet is produced. It is observed that each time the light is on, the rat presses the lever and a food pellet is delivered. Alicia got a 100% on her exam, because she is smart. Mentalistic Behavioristic Behavioristic Mentalistic The phrase uses emotions as an explanation for behavior (frustrated) that is not measurable or observable The rat is presented with an Sd (buzzer rings) and then engages in a measurable and observable behavior (approaches lever and presses it) An Sd is presented (light turning on) the rat then engages in a measurable and observable behavior (presses the lever) Kevin was presented with 10 math questions, he screamed 3 times and broke 2 pencils The phrase uses thoughts (because she is smart) to explain the outcome of a behavior (got 100% on her exam) Alicia was given a math test with 15 questions, she got out of her seat 3 times Analyze how the behavioristic approach is different from most other psychology fields: The use of feelings and thoughts called Mentalism is defined as “an approach to the study of behavior which assumes that a mental or “inner” dimension exists that differs from a behavioral dimension” (Moore, 2003). A behavioristic approach originates from Radical Behaviorism, which is defined as “ A form of behaviorism that attempts to understand all human behavior, including private events” (Cooper, J.O., Heron, T.E., & Heward, W.L., 2020) A behavioristic approach takes into consideration all factors present when 3 a person engages in any type of behavior. It does not use subjective terms such as emotions or thoughts to explain the function of action; instead, it uses environmental contexts to understand the function of the behavior exhibited. A behavioristic approach allows for someone to clearly define what a behavior presents itself as (i.e., hitting: open hand, fingers spread, making contact with any part of the body leaving marks), allowing for proper data collection to create an intervention plan. When the behavior being targeted is clearly defined, it allows for clear distinctions no matter the setting, allowing for behavior analysts to assist in obtaining the function of the behavior. For example, Sarah cried because she was sad. This does not allow for the understanding of the function of the behavior (crying). Approaching the situation from a Behavioristic perspective allows for the function to be identified; for example, Sarah wanted a cookie before eating her dinner. Her mother said no. Sarah then began to scream and cry until her mother gave her the cookie. This shows a clear indication of the function of the behavior being exhibited. 4