Contemporary debate

• What is the behaviourist debate?

  Discuss the use of conditioning techniques to control the behaviour of children.
• Debate topics

  Home

  School

  Vulnerable groups
• Conditioning techniques are appropriate in the home 


  Token economy can be used to teach children how to read by rewarding them when they complete a reading / vocabulary related task.

  White et al (1972) - the use of time outs significantly reduced behavioural problems in children.

  Implications - more ethical than punishment, cost of reward.
• Conditioning techniques are not appropriate in the home

  A group of students were told that they would be paid to work on a puzzle, another was not. After a break, the unpaid students were more likely to continue the puzzle. This showed offering a reward undermines intrinsic motivation and implies that the task is unenjoyable, therefore the child will only complete it with extrinsic motivation.

  Implications - if children lack intrinsic motivation they will struggle with things such as schoolwork which don’t offer instant gratification.
• Conditioning techniques are appropriate with vulnerable groups


  When used correctly, reward systems can help to improve the behaviour of individuals with ADHD. To be effective, reward systems must be used consistently and desirable behaviours must be concrete and measurable.

  Implications - help them in careers etc.
• Conditioning techniques are not appropriate with vulnerable groups


  School in Massachusetts administered electric shocks to special needs students as a means of controlling behaviour.

  Implications - harm.