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. 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...