Understanding the differences in Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory.

Have you ever wondered how someone's brain functions? How do people come to their conclusions, or why do some people act a certain way? Well, the psychologist Ivan Pavlov, Jean Piaget, and Albert Bandura wondered the same thing, "How does this work?" 

Key information: 

The aforementioned psychologist created terms for the different types of thinking called learning theories;

• Behaviorism (Ivan Pavlov): Focuses on stimuli and how one is shaped by the world around them by changing their behavior. 

• Cognitive psychology (Jean Piaget): How you perceive or remember something and use it to make decisions. 

• Social Cognitive Theory (Albert Bandura): A combination of Behaviorism and Cognitive psychology, using both stimuli from the world and prior knowledge to change behavior and make choices. 

These psychologists coined these terms, and now we know basic definitions, but what exactly do these theories provide for us? 

Let's dive in! 

Picture this,

You are all psychologists and will each be assigned one of the three learning theories to study. As psychologists, your job is to study the ins and outs of your theory and learn everything there is about it. At the end of the week, you will have a meeting with your fellow psychologist where you must present your findings to each other, and must vouch for why your theory is superior. At the end of the meeting, a discussion will take place where you all will take a vote and decide on the best theory. 

Breakdown:

Any material that has been used in class is allowed to be used as evidence for why your theory is best, as well as any good source found online. At the end of the week, you must present your findings in a visual way, either with a PowerPoint/ slide show, a mind map, or any other infographical design (Visual aid). The presentation must be at least a minute, no longer than 5 minutes, and have plenty of examples, images, and links. (I suggest getting as close to 5 as possible.)

At the end of all the presentations, a discussion will happen over what you think is the better theory, not just what you studied. A vote will be held at the end of the discussion to find the best theory. 

It will be fun!

Note: There is no real answer to this assignment; everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and all theories are valid! 

In-depth, step-by-step instruction: 

1. Assigning theories 

There will be a bucket passed around with slips of paper inside, there will be an equal amount of papers as there are students. Each student will take a random slip with a theory on it and then start their project! 

2. Doing the Research 

Any notes or information used or given in class as allowed to be used, but you must also use your research skills to find information somewhere else. Use one of the three links provided on your topic, then find two more links on your own. 

Behaviorism: https://www.britannica.com/science/behaviourism-psychology

Cognitive psychology: https://www.britannica.com/science/cognitive-psychology

Social Cognitive Theory: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Bandura

3. Creating a Visual Aid - Presentation 

A visual aid of some type of graphical implication must be used during your presentation about your findings. This can be in the form of a slide show, mindmap, Canva, or you can use Google or Microsoft software; use your imagination! 

Your aid must have:

• Defined sections/ slides that clearly state the definition of your theory, examples, who founded it, and any other interesting information that proves why your theory is better.
• Include images with your findings and make sure to properly cite them. 
• Make sure to also use in-text citations on each slide/section with information on them, as well as properly forming a works cited page at the end. 
• Add color and themes to your visual aids, use unique fonts and designs, but make sure your presentation is clear and understandable. 

A proper rubric will be provided.

4. Presenting (The art of persuasion)

When you present your findings, your goal is to be persuasive so that at the end of the class, everyone will vote for your learning theory. Presenting must be taken seriously; you are psychologists after all, so while you are presenting your findings, you must be clear and professional. Points can be deducted for not wearing proper attire, mumbling, getting off topic, or just general lollygagging during your presentation. 

Pretend like it's your job, and you're presenting to the board your findings, it will be fun! 

5. Class discussion 

After everyone shows their findings, a class discussion will take place.

Students will be asked to move to a section of the room labeled after which learning theory they like best. 

During the discussion, students will be asked why they think the theory they stand with is better than the other. Students with the same opinion will back the statement up, while students who disagree will academically rebut the statement with why they disagree and which learning theory they believe is better. 

A few questions will be asked to the students, and then they will discuss, after each discussion period, the students will be given the chance to change there postitons. 

After all the question have been answered the discussions are over and the students will return to there seats and wait for voting time.  

6. End of class voting 

The vote will be at the end of the class period, a QR code will be shown on the board and students will be expected to scan the code and vote on which theory they think is best. 

Example:

Which learning theory is better...

• Behaviorism
• Cognitive psychology
• Social Cognitive Theory

The last place you stood does not have to be your answer to the vote, if you changed your mind by the time you got to your seat, or disagreed with the last discussion, your answer will change. Please cast a vote for the learning theory you believe to best!

I will then announce which theory won! 

Again, there is no real answer to this assignment; everyone is entitled to their own opinions, and all theories are valid! It's for fun!

Here is the rubric, which will go into more detail on the process and what is expected from this project.  

Good job, fellow psychologist! 

You now understand not only the learning they provided to you, but also the other ones presented. Participating in the debate allowed you to further understand all three of the learning theories, and you now have a better understanding of them as a whole.

After the voting process, you now know the most popular learning theory amongst you and your fellow psychologists. Moving forward, you can now identify these learning theories in real life!

In the process of this project, you've probably learned important information about yourself and how you learn as well, and you'll now be able to apply what you've learned to yourself and your future studies. 

As you move forward, consider this:

• How will knowing this information affect me? My life? My education? 
• What all can I apply these learning theories to?
• Can I identify the favored learning theories of others now that I understand them? 

Sources and information given: (links)

• Behaviorism: https://www.britannica.com/science/behaviourism-psychology

• Cognitive psychology: https://www.britannica.com/science/cognitive-psychology

• Social Cognitive Theory: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Bandura

Title: Understanding the differences in Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive Theory. 

Standards:

(INTASC Standard 1); incorporate knowledge of individual differences and diversity in the classroom

(INTASC Standard 2); demonstrate the interconnectedness of the central concepts of Education Psychology to engage

learners in critical thinking and creativity

(INTASC Standard 5); plan and create developmentally appropriate, sequential, and challenging learning opportunities

(INTASC Standard 7); and understand a variety of instructional tools to build skills and apply knowledge in meaningful ways (INTASC Standard 8).

Grade level:

High school (9- 12th) 

Purpose:

The purpose of this Webquest is to help students further their research skills while also expanding their knowledge on Cognitive Psychology, Behaviorism, and Social Cognitive theory, and how they apply to the real world. This Webquest will also help students expand their debate skills and form constructive counterarguments. 

Learning Objectives:

Students will learn how to define...

• Cognitive Psychology
• Behaviorism
• Social Cognitive Theory
•  

Students will also learn too...

• Identify their given theory in life
• Explain their given theory, with bout definition, details, and examples
• Key ideas behind their theory 
• Apply them to real-life situations

Assessment:

Students will be given a single learning theory and must research it to present to the class as if they were a psychologist presenting to a board of other psychologists. After they will participate in a formal debate about which learning theory they think is best, a vote will be held at the end of the discussion. 

Materials Needed:

• Research materials such as notes, books, the internet, etc.. 
• The tools given to them from the assignment, the 2 links given, and the rubric
• The application or device to access any software to make their presentation (Microsoft apps, Google apps, Canva, etc..) 

Estimated Time:

• Obtaining a learning theory: 15mins, beginning of class
• Research: The rest of the class time, plus another class period (2 class periods). Students should be done with research and start with presentations today.
• Creating the presentation: Should start the 2-class period and finish before the next class time 
• Presenting: 2 class periods (day 3 -4 of project) 
• Debate: Happens either at the end of day 4 or the start of day 5. 
• Vote: After debate, 15 mins, at the end of day 4 or 5. 

The X represents what we will be doing in class that day. 

Extras and tips!:

Science is an amazing thing; it's constantly expanding, and we are always learning more. The same applies to learning theories! Don't be afraid to go out and learn more about this topic on your own! 

Here's a tip: The world itself is a resource for you, don't be afraid to experiment with what you have, you might find something new!