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PSY 803 Topic 1 Discussion Question 1

Consider the pioneers of behaviorism. Which behaviorist has offered the most significant contributions to the field of psychology? Why?

PSY803 Topic 1 Discussion Question 2

There were many influences and trends in research leading to the emergence of behaviorism as a separate school of thought. Which theorists contributed most significantly to this evolution? Why?

PSY803 Topic 2 Discussion Question 1

What are John Watson’s primary critiques of psychology (i.e., the study of consciousness via introspection)? How does he propose to solve these issues? Do you believe that introspection is important in changing behavior? Why or why not?

PSY_803 Topic 2 Discussion Question 2

What was Watson’s view of the environment? Do you agree with his famous statement, “Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specific world to bring them up in, and I’ll guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select” (as cited in Hothersall, 2004, p. 479). Why or why not?

PSY_803 Topic 3 Discussion Question 1

Based on your analysis of Hull and Tolman’s work, was neo-behaviorism the best response to the issue of classical S-R behaviorism? Explain.

PSY803 Topic 3 Discussion Question 2

How does Skinner’s radical behaviorism and operant conditioning compare to Watson’s classical behaviorism and classical conditioning?

PSY803 Topic 4 Discussion Question 1

How does Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy relate to your pursuit of obtaining your terminal degree? What strategies can you use to improve your self-efficacy in your academic research and writing?

PSY_803 Topic 4 Discussion Question 2

What are the most significant points from Chomsky’s critique on Skinner? Do you agree or disagree with Chomsky’s critique of Skinner? Why or why not?

PSY_803 Topic 5 Discussion Question 1

Why might the cognitive-affective processing system provide a more thorough understanding of an individual’s personality than older models (e.g., Freud’s theory of personality)?

PSY803 Topic 5 Discussion Question 2

Cognitive theorists maintain that our approach to behavioral change rests solely in the way we think about the behavior. Explain the gap that exists between cognitive and behavioral psychology.

PSY803 Topic 6 Discussion Question 1

How can Deci and Ryan’s (2008) self-determination theory assist individuals in their personal or professional goals?

PSY 803 Topic 6 Discussion Question 2

How might attribution theory provide an understanding of a person’s behavior? How can a teacher, parent, coach, or other person in a leadership position use this theory to motivate an unmotivated
individual?

PSY 803 Topic 7 Discussion Question 1

With the understanding that the etiology of impulse control issues in Parkinson’s disease is complex, examine the ethical concerns of any psychopharmacological treatment that may lead to gambling,
increase risk-taking behaviors, or other potentially harmful behaviors. Is the treatment worth the risk of the potential side effects?

PSY 803 Topic 7 Discussion Question 2

It is suggested the effects of oxytocin explains altruistic behaviors. How might this knowledge be used to promote prosocial behaviors?

PSY 803 Topic 8 Discussion Question 1

Why is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) effective? In a non-clinical sense, how can CBT or behavior analysis help a doctoral learner succeed?

PSY 803 Topic 8 Discussion Question 2

Reflect on three of the articles you have chosen for the literature review assignment. How will these articles help you proceed from here?