Human Behavior

One of the problems with strict behavioral theory is that it very much ignores

the 'human variable'. When we reduce things strictly to stimulus and

response, we can easily forget that there are human feelings, thoughts, and

cognitions that are involved in the expression of a behavior as well. In the

case of Roger a behaviorist will take everything at face value. If Roger comes

in and says he is having trouble studying, it is very likely that the behaviorist

will agree with him based on the observable evidence and come up with a

reinforcement contingency of some sort to correct his 'problem'. However,

the behaviorist is not likely to explore Roger's motivations, interests, or his

desires in life. The true cause of the behavioral problem may have to do with

thoughts, feelings, or a person's concept of themselves. Behaviorism is ill

suited to dealing with these highly abstract concepts.

English: Approximate Prevalence Distribution of th...

English: A Student of the University of British Co...

[Roger Bresnahan, St. Louis, NL (baseball)] (LOC)

This means that while

the behaviorist may address the problem and possibly even find a way to get

Roger studying and into business school, he most likely will not be able to

address the issue of whether or not Roger should be in business at all; or if

indeed he should pursue his music interests. Likewise, behaviorism will be of

little help in assisting Roger in his problems with his family, which a

psychoanalytically oriented or cognitive therapist would most likely feel are

very relevant in his situation. For example, there is a possibility that Roger

could be much happier as a musician than as a business professional, and that

deep down Roger knows this and that is why he is having difficulty studying.

The conflict he is experiencing could be coming from the pressure of his

parents who tell him (directly or indirectly) that he should be in the...