Skinner, Watson, and Pavlov were proponents of learning theory. Explain learning theory and provide examples to illustrate your explanation

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The basic learning theories were predicated on the belief that each of us at birth is nothing more than a reflexive creature-not in the least considered to be purposeful in our actions. These theorists put forth the notion that we are born as "blank slates" (called tabula rosa) or "empty vessels" waiting to be filled by the social instruction of our parents, teachers, the media, and society; strict behaviorists maintained that a given stimulus would produce a given response. By applying the concepts of rewards and punishment, behaviorists contend that all behaviors, including gendered behaviors, are learned responses.
EXAMPLE: If, for example, a little girl in a party dress is rewarded for sitting daintily in a chair with her ankles crossed, she is likely to repeat that behavior. If, on the other hand, the little girl is punished for sitting or acting not so lady-like or acting tomboyish, she is less likely to repeat that behavior. Similarly, if a little boy desires to play with a Barbie doll and is punished, he is more likely to pick his fire truck out of the toy box the next time. By repeated rewards and punishments throughout infancy, early childhood, childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, specific gender behaviors are either reinforced (and thus, more likely to occur again and again) or extinguished (less likely to occur).
[OTHER EXAMPLES ARE ACCEPTABLE PER INSTRUCTOR'S JUDGMENT]