PS515-1: Describe scientific methods and theoretical bases of learning.
When you are helping clients, it is important to possess an understanding of the theory behind the work that you are doing. It is also useful to have a working knowledge of scientific methods, even if you do not plan to be a researcher. For example, teachers and therapists often use scientific methods in their work.
For this assignment, you will write a 2- to 4-page essay that explains how you would describe theories of learning and use scientific methods.
Describe each of the five schools of behaviorism; make sure you distinguish each from the other schools of thought.
Next, select one of the following potential studies:
Identify 4-year-old Amanda’s dysfunctional behaviors in preschool.
Determine whether LED or fluorescent light changes the students’ science quiz scores in Mr. Johnson’s sixth-grade class.
Identify whether giving Lauren chocolate increases her participation in gym class.
Another behavior of your choosing — check first with your instructor.
After selecting your study, be sure to do the following:
Determine the most appropriate methodology (from this unit) with which to investigate it.
Identify the method and set up an outline of a study; identify any variables.
Explain your rationale for choosing that method.
Discuss which theory of behaviorism is most related to your study and how it is related.
Discuss how biological preparedness/innate learning influences the subject’s ability to learn the behavior.
