Your unit readings address the behavior analytic perspectives on what behaviorists refer to as the mentalistic approach to analyzing and solving human problems.

Mentalism and Behaviorism

Your unit readings address the behavior analytic perspectives on what behaviorists refer to as the mentalistic approach to analyzing and solving human problems. New learners of ABA often have difficulty with changing their perspectives about the causes of behavior.

In your post:

Discuss the difference between the mentalist’s and the radical behaviorist’s perspectives regarding feelings, states of mind, and unobservable mental events. Is there a special thing called the mind?

Provide a recent example of a situation where you were exposed to, or considered, a mentalistic explanation for your own or someone else’s behavior. How could you shift your thinking to a behavior analytic perspective?

Response Guidelines

Read the posts of your peers and respond to two. Your response should be substantive and demonstrate your understanding of the material. What aspects of the post do you like or agree with and why? Are there areas that are not clear? Did the post spark questions that you would like to ask your peer? In this, and in all of your courseroom posts, be sure to keep your tone scholarly, respectful, and professional.

Learning Components

This activity will help you achieve the following learning components:

Describe the scientific foundations of behaviorism.

Explain the difference between behaviorism and mentalism.