Human development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Human development - Essay Example Skinner’s theory of learning is based on the premise that learning is a function of change in overt behavior. Changes occur due to the response to the external stimuli. This reinforcement theory relies on the assumption that behavior is a function of its consequences (Dunn, 2002). The learner will repeat the behavior if positive reinforcement follows the behavior. Positive reinforcement refers to some verbal recognition or appreciation or rewards like certificates or promotion to a higher level. Negative reinforcement can also strengthen the behavior but punishment can weaken the behavior. This is because the negative condition has been experienced as a consequence of the behavior and teaches the individual not to repeat the behavior. Punishment can help to eliminate behavior and is used in daily life but it works only for a short period. Bandura’s theory states that to learn anything you have to pay attention to it. Anything that dampens the attention will consequently reduce the learning process (Boeree, 1998). For instance, sleep and lethargy can dampen attention and consequrntly learning. Bandura experimented with models and summarized that if the model is attractive colorful appears like us we would pay more attention. After paying attention, it is important to retain what has been paid attention to. This means retaining the mental image or verbal description of the model. When it is stored the same image can be brought up at will whenever necessary. The third step involves translation or reproducing the images into actual behavior. This implies an individual must have the ability to reproduce. This way the ability to imitate improves with practice. In fact the abilities improve even when one just imagines imitating. The act of imitating comes only through some form of motivation. This reinforcement can b e some past reinforcement, promised reinforcement or vicarious reinforcement. The main difference between Bandura and Skinner lies in their