Answer the following question by giving a real-life example (no identifying info
ID: 3443681 • Letter: A
Question
Answer the following question by giving a real-life example (no identifying information please): 1. Does behaviorism really work? Is it possible to ignore the idea of genetic predispositions and "learn" some alternative behavior that will alter the way we live our life? Example: can a child molester who has victimized children on many occasions change his behavior with behavior modification to the point that he or she will NOT molest any more children? What are your opinions on this subject? Or, use another example in real-life.
Explanation / Answer
Behaviourism can be defined as the schools of thought in psychology that defines all behaviour(both animal and human) in terms of conditioning. The influence or appeal of feelings and thoughts or genetic predisposition isn't taken into account and for change in behaviour change in conditioning is brought about.
No, according to me Behaviourism doesn't really work. This is because every behaviour has multidimensional aspects. These include the influence of genetic predisposition, the thoughts and feelings that drive this behaviour. Defining a behavior only in terms of conditioning is over simplifying various dimensions of behaviour. Therefore it can only alter surface behavior but not the main cause that's driving the behaviour.
As cited in the above example a child molestor who has victimized children on many occasion would not be able to change his behaviour with behavioral modification alone. This is so because without getting into the crux of the motivation, thoughts and feelings behind this behaviour as well as past childhood experiences it isn't possible to completely remove this behaviour. Child molestation is a behavior that is deep rooted and has various dimensions to it. Therefore a more thorough and intense approach would be required.