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APA
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Psychology
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Coursework
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English (U.S.)
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Topic:

Methodological and Radical Behaviorism

Coursework Instructions:

In 1974, B. F. Skinner published About Behaviorism and more fully developed the concepts of radical behaviorism, with emphasis on the importance of seeking to identify observable and measurable environmental events, rather than mentalistic constructs, to explain all behavior, including internal behaviors (such as thinking) which could not be directly observed. This further solidified the approach that continues to guide inquiry and practice in applied behavior analysis to this day.
To prepare for this discussion, please review the assigned readings in this unit and select one of the scenarios below:
Scenario 1
Olivo is a 15-year-old who acquired a brain injury in a car accident. Prior to the injury, Olivo functioned typically for his age and was a sophomore in high school. He had no significant academic or behavioral challenges at home or at school. Since the accident, there have been notable changes in function and behavior. Olivo is easily frustrated when he cannot have what he wants and often becomes anxious. He has limited tolerance for waiting. Sometimes, Olivo decides to have a tantrum to get his way. The therapist working with Olivo has suggested that, when he is anxious or frustrated, his parents show him cards with his favorite items and have him point to what he wants. Olivo does not seem to like the cards because when they are presented, he throws them.
Scenario 2
Maxi is a 35-year-old resident at an inpatient rehab center. She is receiving treatment for alcohol and drug abuse. Her therapist suggests that Maxi tends to use substances when she is angry or stressed. The therapist suggests that it would be helpful to identify alternative activities to self-soothe when she is feeling these emotions.
Please respond to the following:
Define methodological behaviorism, as described by B. F. Skinner.
Next, define radical behaviorism, as described by B. F. Skinner, and differentiate it from methodological behaviorism.
Based on the scenario you selected:
Identify whether the description of the case and the suggestions for treatment are representative of a radical behavioral approach. Why or why not?
In your analysis, identify at least three of the mentalistic terms and conceptualizations in the case scenario and present an alternative.
What explanatory terms need clearer definition?
How could this case study be reframed to constitute explanation and intervention in more behavioral terms (i.e., with a focus on observable and measurable causes of behavior that are found in the environment)?

Coursework Sample Content Preview:

Unit 5 Discussion Board Coursework
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Methodological Behaviorism and Radical Behaviorism
B. F. Skinner described methodological behaviorism as a psychological approach emphasizing observable behavior and explaining behavior by pointing out and evaluating environmental events instead of depending on mentalistic constructs. It stresses the significance of objective observations and empirical evidence to comprehend and predict behavior. For methodological behaviorism, private and public events characterize any social setting, and psychology ought to confine itself to the latter to meet scientific requirements. Whereas Skinner argued radical behaviorism stretches beyond methodological behaviorism by asserting that such internal behaviors as feelings and thoughts affect behavior. Radical behaviorism focuses on analyzing observable behavior and its association with the surrounding. The difference between the public and private is quite distinct from that between psychological and physical. Ultimately, methodological behaviorism adopts the former while radical behaviorism lops off the latter, as described by Skinner (Strapasson & Araujo, 2020).
Identify Whether the Description of the Case and the Suggestions for Treatment Are Representative of a Radical Behavioral Approach. Why or Why Not?
Scenario one case description and the treatment suggestion represent a radical behavioral approach. The therapist suggests the introduction of cards displaying Olivo’s favorite items for him to point out what he wants. This treatment suggestion depicts a comprehension of the environmental impacts on behavior. By offering Olivo a different method to communicate his wants and preferences, the therapist seeks to mitigate tantrums and frustrations. Radical and quick environmental change may overload the cognitive capacity to address the situation, thus resulting in more emotion-impacted responses (Laato et al., 2020).
Identify At Least Three of the Mentalistic Terms and Conceptualizations in the Case Scenario and Present an Alternative
There are various conceptualizations and mentalistic terms from scenario one, such as tantrums, anxiety, and frustration. Such terms imply internal states that could be challenging to measure or observe directly. Thus, redefining the terms in measurable and observable ways is vital to incorporate an extensive behavioral approach. Rather than incorporating the term anxiety, it could be vital to describe specific behaviors that show anxiety as avoidance behaviors, restlessness, and increased heart rate. The therapist could also define frustration as banging on objects, increased vocal complaints, and various observable indicators. Also, it would be helpful to define tantrum behaviors in such observable terms as throwing objects, kicking, and screaming. A mentalistic worldview presumes internal events are casually related to behavior, and failure to incorporate such inner constructs offers an insufficient behavior-environment relations account (Zane et al., 2023).
What Explanatory Terms Need Clearer Definitions?
The therapist should mention specific behaviors that constitute tantrums, anxiety, and frustra...
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