Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches
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Behavioral and Cognitive Approaches
Behavioral theories indicate that learning normally occurs once an individual is able to identify changes in behavior. Behavioral learning is achieved as a result of conditioning, which is achieved after repeated responses that are deemed desirable. Typically, conditioning is done by reinforcing desirable behavior to increase their likelihood of being repeated and eventually learned (Pearson et al, 2013). Therefore, the basis of studying behavioral learning lies at the core of the reinforcement process. Therefore, a continuous reinforcement of the desirable behavior introduces a new behavior, and the learning process occurs.
My recent training in a working environment proved the effectiveness of behavioral approach. At the workplace, my employers used a regular rewarding approach to shape our behavior. All employees were trained on all desirable behaviors at the work place, particularly in customer service. This approach was aimed at rewarding these desirable behaviors that were to be observed in employees. For instance, the company rewarded the top employee of the month as the one who reported many positive customer feedbacks for the month. For this reason, many employees including myself strived to offer the best customer services with the main goal of being rewarded. This approach was an effective tool in improving the efficiency in the provision of services by the entire company. As a result, the company was able to achieve its training goals by improving employee skills.
I believe that this approach is the best tool of introducing all desirable behaviors in the society especially in cases of drug abuse or crime. This cannot be achieved immediately but in small and strategic reinforcements that are meant to reward any effort made towards a desirable change (Patterson & Kaslow, 2004). In addition, this tool has been proven to be effective in schools where hard work is rewarded with good grades that in turn guarantee a secured future.
References
Patterson, T., & Kaslow, W. F. (2004). Comprehensive Handbook of Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavior. New York. Wiley Publishers.
Pearson, D., Kennedy, F., Kennerley, H. (2013). Cognitive Behavioral Approaches yo the Understanding and Treatment of Disassociation. New York. Routledge Publishing.