Cognitive and Behavioral Theories

Introduction Psychology is the science of the nature the function, and phenomena of behavior and mental experience. (Colman, 1999, p.4).The word is derived from the Greek words â€Å"psyche† and â€Å"logia† to mean â€Å"breath or soul or spirit† and the study of something respectively. Cognitive psychology refers to the branch of psychology that examines internal processes of the mind.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cognitive and Behavioral Theories specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The theory started in the 1970’s. Behaviorism was popularized in 1913 by John Watson, the father of behaviorism. It is based on the concept that behavior is acquired by training or learning to respond to stimuli. Behavioral theorists and cognitive theorists have always been in conflict. For instance, behavioral theorists understood depression because of a high rate of punishers and a low rate of reinforces in the client’s environment while cognitive theorists understood depression as the influence of negative, illogical, or self-destructive beliefs (Coady Lehman, 2008, p.25). Recently there has been a move towards a merger of the two theories in what is known as the cognitive-behavioral theory. From the study of both theories, psychologists discovered two types of behavior, Observable actions (overt behavior) and internal mental behavior (Covert behavior).This paper seeks to discuss and intensively analyze both the cognitive and behavioral theories and expound on their application and expansion. Cognitive Theory The cognitive theory is a psychological theory that studies the internal state of the mind and explains human behavior by studying the thinking process. It is based on the idea that we are like a computer when processing information and have an input, storage and retrieval functions (Brown, 2007, p. 6). Its core focus is therefore acquisition, processing, and storage of information. The key figures of the cognitive theory are memory, perception, attention, language, intelligence, and problem solving. It deals with the processes in absence of response to external stimuli and even explores abstract aspects such as dreams and hallucinations. Whereas behaviorism concentrates on external behaviors, the cognitive theory concentrates on the internal working of the mind. There has been a variety of works and experiments concerning the cognitive theory. The theory has been applied to experiment and determine the extent of normal cognition in studies related to neuropsychology to investigate whether cognition is normal or abnormal. In addition, it has been used to indicate the time or location at which a particular brain activity occurred in the study of neuro-images.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The cognitive theory has been expanded from time to time. The schema therapy has expanded it to reflect the origin of disoriented thinking in childhood and a combination of emotional and experimental methods to correct flaws in personality. The dialectical mechanism has expanded it to explain emotional irregularities and self-destroying tendencies among people suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder. Various tests have resulted from the cognitive theory. These include personality tests, tests to determine intelligence levels, lie-detecting tests, and tests to determine the nature and extent of risk-taking in entrepreneurial ventures. Behavioral Theory The behavioral theory on the other hand is founded on the concept that acquisition of behavior is through constant training or conditioning which is brought about by interaction with external factors of the environment. According to John Watson, the primary subject matter of behaviorism was the element of behavior, which is the body’s muscular movements and gl andular secretions (Schultz. Schultz, E. 2010, p. 222). The major concepts of the behavioral theory are classical conditioning and operational conditioning. Classical conditioning is attributed to Ivan Pavlov, a Russian psychologist who conducted experiments using dogs. He studied the reflex response to external stimuli in the environment. After becoming conditioned to a certain stimulus, the organism responds automatically to it. Additionally, operant conditioning was developed by B.F. Skinner. It is based on the principle of punishment and reinforcement. According to him, use of punishment discourages prohibited behavior while use of rewards promotes and increases the acceptable behavior. Positive reinforces such as rewards, promote response to a behavior while negative reinforces such as sanctions, prevent occurrence of unwanted behavior. Focus of work related to the behavioral theory is to be found in application of behaviorism in therapy to heal both physical and psychological wounds. It is also applied in psychoanalysis and in the study of phobias. The behavioral theory has undergone rapid expansion. In education, it is used to observe learning trends by observing the behavior of the child, the parent, and the teacher as well as its impact on the child’s performance. In economics, it has been used to study market expansion by studying the behavior of firms and in ecology to study response of organisms to stimuli.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Cognitive and Behavioral Theories specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They are many tests formulated and developed based on the behavioral theory. It is applied in measuring the anxiety level by studying The Behavioral inhibition system. Together with the cognitive theory, it is used in personality tests and is the thinking behind addiction and drug-abuse tests. There is move towards combining both theories since they work togeth er and none works in isolation of the other. They have also been expanded along the same lines and are used together in therapy to heal depression. Reference List Brown, C. (2007). Cognitive psychology. London: SAGE Publications. Coady, N., Lehmann, P. (2008). Theoretical perspectives for direct social work  practice: A generalist-eclectic approach. New York: Springer. Colman, A. (1999). What is Psychology, 3rd Ed.London: Routledge Schultz, P., Schultz, S. (2012). A history of modern psychology. Australia: Thomson/Wadsworth. This research paper on Cognitive and Behavioral Theories was written and submitted by user Ayaan Bruce to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

I R theory essays

I R theory essays Search 11 popular essay sites at once, OVER 25,000 essays, or check out our local essays and other features! Learn about new features and updates! Webmasters earn $$: Advertising.com evaluation of classical set piece wars Books related to evaluation of classical set piece wars "Classical set-piece wars between states seem to be a thing of the past, replaced by Intra-wars, insurgency and counter-insurgency wars of one kind or another. These developments give us reason to re-think all our theories of war and peace. We need new theories about violence in world politics." Discuss this claim. War has been a major focal point in international relations for the past 300 years. The moral, legal, humans and strategic nature of war has, and will continue to command attention of all followers of world affairs. War is a changing phenomena, taking on new characteristics as its surroundings change, diplomatic practitioners and academic experts regarded as one that it is fought between states but now this premise is being challenged. The theories developed by predominately by the realist paradigm are becoming anachronistic in its conception of war, a changing world means the realist notion of war is not relevant to emerging situations in the peripheral nations. War as an instrument of state policy is a relatively new phenomena, early wars were often though for more medieval objectives, for example the spread of Christendom. War in Europe only became largely politically based after the 17th century, and the main purpose of the exercise of military power shifted to hold the advancement and protection of the state as its primary concern. Despite its negativity war exists because of its vital role in politics, the two are inter-linked, "war is a continuation of politics by other means". War is a vehicle of conflict resolution, generally undertaken when diplomatic measures have been exhausted, war causes an outcome, therefore a rational...

Enterprise Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Enterprise Project - Essay Example Throughout the period of undertaking the project, I hope to learn several aspects from fellow colleagues. While in a leadership position, I wish to learn how to engage and empower people. Leadership by fear that arises from the traditional management system is flawed, and its productivity may be in doubt. I will also learn particular insights on how technology can influence the activities of the group. Finally, I will learn to embrace vulnerability through developing courage to be seen. I developed a major cash flow report for the group, which is very vital in tracking the fiscal progress of the enterprise. I have certain weaknesses of being a perfect debater who has a passion for work. I tend to question everything, and this slows down the execution processes. However, I have a particular skill to counter the weaknesses. I am a self-motivated, determined, success-oriented, and hardworking natural leader. The combination of these qualities may not make up a perfect profile, but they will guarantee success in the enterprise