Behavioral theory and Social cognitive (learning) theory and Behavioral concept paper - Essay Example

Behavioral Concept Paper Task: Behavioral Concept Paper Q Application of the behavioral concept to todays culture of social mediaThe behavioral concept is applicable to todays culture of social media. Today’s culture of social media and the internet has direct relevance to Skinner’s hypothesis on environmental control on human behavior. In his theory, Skinner highlighted various environmental factors that may have a direct bearing on human behavior. According to Skinner, human behavior is a subject of manipulation of one’s environment.

The theory, coined from the hypothesis, is vital in comprehending a range of behaviors among humans and organisms. In his hypothesis, Skinner pinpoints freedom as among the various factors that determine the behavior. In his opinion, freedom is a product of defensive attempts to resist external power. The notion of freedom, however, does not apply to other groups of people. There exists people whole are enslaved to what they like, also known as the happy slave (Pierce & Cheney, 2004). This group of people or organisms is under control by circumstances that they are fond of and undertakes most of their time.

Based on this notion, all behaviors are products of factors of the environment. No one, in Skinner’s view, therefore, is free. It, therefore, pays to control factors that may put us under control. The theory criticizes the engagement that individuals have about weak practices of control. Dignity, therefore, becomes an essential provision should there be to control behavior (Skinner, 2002).The theory is fundamental in understanding the contemporary culture of the social media. These include the Internet, YouTube, surveillance security cameras and tweeting.

There is a notable increase in the number of social media users, which almost turns to be a manifestation of acquired behavior. Social media use involves interactions and socialization. Most users of facilities as the internet and facebook love and subscribe to it. They are tantamount to free slaves in the theory adopted by Skinner. They remain under the control of their love and passion for social media use. There are portions of social media users who get to use it because of peer influence.

The kind of control that they receive from the environment (friends and peers) is a key determinant of their continued use. Social media users need to nurture dignity as a way of controlling the behavior. Q2. Do our behaviors change because of this kind of environmental control?Individuals’ behaviors, therefore, change in relation with the nature of environmental influence encountered. The culture of social media and the internet is inclusive of the various factors that result from the influence of environmental factors. Q 3. Explain your response incorporating your knowledge of behavioral theory.

According to the theory, social media users are similar to the free slaves. Internet users, for instance, portray signs of addiction for internet use. This applies to other applications as facebook. Q4. Based on what youve learned about Jims personality and life so far, what key concepts from social cognitive theory might apply.Based on the personality of Jim, as evident from the case, counseling is the most suitable concept of social cognitive theory that is applicable in his case. In his view, George Kelly identified that there is an appreciated extent to which individuals transform their opinions, on self as well as the world, when counseling is applied.

The theory is relevant in the explanation of individuals’ change of behavior in the framework of counseling. There is continuity in people’s engagement in transforming their systems, differently every time, in a way that is beneficial for gaining satisfaction (John, Robins & Pervin, 2010). The transformation that emanates from counseling of individuals is vital in building personality (Winter & Viney, 2008). In the case of Jim, counseling, being among the key concepts highlighted by George Kelly, is applicable.

In the context of counseling, Jim can gain the ability to change his viewpoint about his ability.Q 5. Explain why you selected the concepts you did.The choice of the concept of counseling is because of the critical need for counseling that Jim has. Building personality involves a blend of strategies that engage diverse factors (Thomas & Segal, 2005). In his case, Jim faces uncertainty on what he can best take in his studies. He doubts whether to proceed with clinical psychology or pursue business administration.

He has complications in developing hid personality (Engler, 2008). Counseling would help Jim discover his abilities (Velleman & Aris, 2010) and settle on one thing among the two. Jim’s dilemma, partly, emanates from intimidations that he might be undergoing from the challenge he receives from his siblings. The effectiveness of counseling is evident in helping build confidence among other desirable human characters (Fransella, 2005). Counseling, therefore, is effective in reinstating an assurance to Jim over his capabilities.

Counseling is the most suitable factor chosen in Jim’s case because it helps to enlighten him on the possibilities that he can make achievements in his education.ReferencesEngler, B. (2008). Personality Theories: An Introduction. Belmont, CA: Cengage Learning. Fransella, F. (2005). The Essential Practitioners Handbook of Personal Construct Psychology. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons.John, O., Robins, R. & Pervin, L. (2010). Handbook of Personality: Theory and Research. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Skinner, B. (2002). Beyond Freedom and Dignity. Indianapolis, Indiana: HackettThomas, J. & Segal, D. (2005). Comprehensive Handbook of Personality and Psychopathology , Personality and Everyday Functioning. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons.Velleman, R. & Aris, S. (2010). Counselling and Helping. Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons. Pierce, W. & Cheney, C. (2004). Behavior Analysis and Learning. Mahwah, NJ: RoutledgeWinter, D. & Viney, L. (2008). Personal Construct Psychotherapy: Advances in Theory, Practice and Research.

Malden, MA: John Wiley & Sons.