After being bitten by a neighbor’s dog, Kathy is now afraid of the puppy her family has just adopted. Kathy’s father gives Kathy a hot fudge sundae; then, while she is happily eating it, he brings the puppy about fifteen feet from where she is sitting. On each successive day, Kathy gets another ice cream treat, and her father brings the puppy a little closer than he did on the previous day. Eventually Kathy is able to pet and enjoy the new puppy. Kathy’s father is using a procedure known as:

Behaviorism is a theory that states that all behaviors are determined by external stimuli in the environment. It focuses on the role of environmental stimuli in learning and the behavior, or observable response.  Here are some principles of behaviorism: Behavior is a function of the environment. Behavior is learned through conditioning. Consequences that reinforce the desired behavior are arranged to follow the desired behavior. The new behavioral pattern can be repeated so it becomes automatic. The change in behavior of the learner signifies that learning has occurred.    Behaviorism... Show more

Behaviorism is a theory that states that all behaviors are determined by external stimuli in the environment. It focuses on the role of environmental stimuli in learning and the behavior, or observable response. 

Here are some principles of behaviorism:
Behavior is a function of the environment.
Behavior is learned through conditioning.
Consequences that reinforce the desired behavior are arranged to follow the desired behavior.
The new behavioral pattern can be repeated so it becomes automatic.
The change in behavior of the learner signifies that learning has occurred. 
 

Behaviorism is based on the following theories: contiguity, classical and operant conditioning, applied behavior analysis, social learning theory, and self-regulation/cognitive behavior modification. 
Behaviorism can be applied in the classroom through techniques such as: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and modeling. 

For example, a teacher might reward a class or certain students with a party or special treat at the end of the week for good behavior throughout the week. The same concept can be used with punishments, where the teacher can take away certain privileges if the student misbehaves. 
Behaviorism has led to research on environmental influences on human behavior. Behavioral principles are commonly applied in behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapy to create powerful changes in one's behavior. 

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