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This 4 page paper provides an overview of the concepts of functionalism and operant conditioning. This paper considers the role that Darwin and Skinner played in psychological theory. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
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4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: MH11_MHfuncoperc.doc
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the field of psychology from a structuralist perspective to one that was based on the process of the mind. This paradigmatic shift occurred as a result of the evolutionary
theories identified by Charles Darwin, in which he showed the connection between environmental factors and adaptability. When environmental factors impact inhabitants of an ecosystem, members of a species that
develop adaptive characteristics, including favorable mutations, are going to survive and pass their characteristics on to their offspring. This process of natural selection demonstrated the progressive nature of both
physical and mental structures and led to the belief in the adaptability of the mind (Functionalism, n.d.). Rather than focusing on the structures of the mind and of consciousness,
the functionalists looked at the purpose of consciousness and its relation to behaviors (Functionalism, n.d.). Functionalists like William James maintained the value
in determining how mental processes related to other factors, including behaviors and environmental stressors. Functionalism became the foundation from which many different psychological fields developed, including behaviorism and educational psychology
(Functionalism, n.d.). James was able to apply this functionalist perspective to a closer understanding of the development of consciousness, the habitual nature of some behaviors, and emotional responses.
Part 2. What theoretical concepts are attributed to B. F. Skinner? Which one of these concepts had the greatest effect on the field of psychology? Why?
Psychologist B.F. Skinner applied a behaviorist perspective to an understanding of the connection between behaviors and manifestations of personality and pathology. It was Skinners belief that
mental processes could be understood in relation to how environmental factors and learned responses influenced thinking. Skinner developed the theory of operant conditioning to challenge the classical conditioning of
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