Behavioral and Social Cognitive Approach Paper

Behavioral and Social/Cognitive Approaches to Forming Habits

Giavanni King

PSY/ 250

July 20, 2015

Debra Julian

Introduction

Behavioral and Social/Cognitive Approaches to Forming Habits

 Throughout a person life and as we grow, we develop patterns that sometimes make us unlike and alike our peers. These patterns are considered habits. In this paper, I will compare and contrast the behavioral and social cognitive approaches. I will explain characteristics that I agree and disagree with in regards to the approaches. I will analyze and explain a habit that I have and how it all came about and why I continue with that habit. I will also describe the components of social cognitive in which habits are formed, and Describe between behavioral and social cognitive theories best fits my personality.

Compare and Contrast

        When comparing and contrasting behavioral and social cognitive approaches it is simple. Both approaches believe in learned behaviors. While social cognitive theory also grasps a person’s way of thinking.

Behavioral Approach

        The behavioral approach is a concept based on explaining behavior through observation as well as the belief that the environment is the reason we behave differently or suffer medical issues. The main categories of behaviorism are Classical, Methodological, and Radical. John B. Watson, based upon his publication of “Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It”, initiated classical behaviorism that described his behavioral approach as, “a purely objective experimental branch of natural science”. Methodological behaviorisms the idea of all types of psychological research based on the extent of observing the behaviors. Radical behaviorism explains that our actions can be explained based on environmental factors. This factor ignores biological and cognitive influences and that genetics plays a major factor. When it comes to behavioral approach, I agree that people do behave according to their environment and that some behaviors are picked up from being in an environment. I do no agree that medical illnesses are a part of this approach. I don't see that as being medically possible, but I am not a professional nor am I in the medical field.

Social/Cognitive Approach

        The social cognitive approach expresses that people learn by watching other people. It addresses personality in a way of how a person thinks and responds to their social environment. It is believed the way we think about others around us is the way we interact, feel and think in regards to the world around us. This approach has been used to understand the class motivation, learning a tool and student/ class achievement. I agree more with this approach because I learn this way. Plus watching others allows people to learn what to do or not to do.  

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