Behaviorism Connection

I just saw this article in Fast Company:  http://www.fastcompany.com/3013178/unplug/why-youre-sleeping-with-your-smartphone.  What a great example of behaviorism in action.  In the beginning the author describes how you can help someone to replace one behavior (being unplugged) for another (being constantly connected) using praise.  There’s even an example of negative reinforcement.  Notice the “you slap their hand”.  Later the author talks about making small changes, which sounds very much like shaping.  The part about having a common goal isn’t really behaviorism, but there’s definitely elements of behaviorism in her approach.

2 thoughts on “Behaviorism Connection”

  1. What an apt article, Mary Ann! Thanks for posting this. It’s amazing how yoked we are to our gadgets. Behaviorism can explain, indeed. Anyone want to revise the habit/free will pie chart?

  2. I can see this being the case. Often I have to ask myself, “What was my life like before my cell phone and iPad?”, specifically the integrated aspects of my work. I have email right there on both devices which I now check in the morning and at night, not counting the numerous times throughout the day. I’ll get to this stage in the semester, well to be honest there are a few of these stages sprinkled throughout, where I am wondering why I feel so pent up or overwhelmed like I have no down time to just relax. Well hello!!! If I’m constantly accessing work related material it will eventually take it’s toll. Pffffttt……and students think teachers’ have all this free time. Yes, I just sit around and stare at the wall, occasionally contemplating how I’m going to torture you in class. 😀

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