Cognitive Theorists - Essay Example

Cognitive Theorists: Psychology Cognitive Theorists: Psychology submitted) Cognitive Theorists: Psychology Part One Among the tenet of Tolman’s theory is goal directed behavior. This could be applied to schools and vocational training in a way that staffs and students participate in whatever goal the school is to have. Unlike other theorists of learning and motivation, Tolman’s goal directed concept guide the schools to have their own mission, goals, and objectives to which students and staffs align their performance.

For instance, if among the goal of the school is to achieve for excellence, staffs and students alike work hard to come out with a performance commensurate to that goal. In like manner, students in a vocational school who are required to finish certain skill within a period of time are expected to complete such task (2006). Furthermore, the participation of students and staffs in the attainment of the school’s goal reflects the other assumption of Tolman’s theory that behavior is analyzed through the actions of a larger group rather than the movements of individuals.

Although, reward is not evident in the accomplishment of the school’s purpose, students still comply owing to their internal discrimination with the presentation of the goal. After all, the concept of Tolman’s theory indicates that learning and motivation is still possible even without a reward. Cognitive mapping of Tolman could also be applied to vocational trainings considering the performance of the participants. As the instructor teaches a skill, students paint an outline in their brain to indicate the route with how they could retain the sequence of skills taught.

Once a blueprint is fixed in their mind, they can repeat the skill even in the midst of changes or difficulties like when they are nervous. An example to test their cognitive mapping would be to do a return demonstration of whatever skill learned after the instructor had demonstrated the step by step procedure. Despite the difficulty in learning certain vocational skills, repeated exposure to it may improve such skill to become refined and perfected. Part two Although, it is a common knowledge that news and entertainment media are primary sources of information and amusement, it cannot be denied the role it plays in influencing values and attitude.

Of particular concern is the negative effect it can do to the viewers. Generally, news and entertainment these days are full of violence and aggression which could compel the same feelings to the people exposed to it. Even if the behavior could not be apparent at the moment of viewing, it could be stored in the memory because of attention and could be reproduced in the future if presented with the same scenario. This is more apparent in children who learn easily through modeling. The study of Huesmann & Taylor (2006) found out that violent news and fictional films increases aggression in young audience.

Furthermore, its scope of influence is large enough to be a threat to public health. Bandura’s theory implies that when raising children, the environment should be conducive enough for them to develop a positive personality. Since much of what children learn is through observation, the characteristics of both the people to whom the child is involved and situation where she is to be nurtured should be healthy. For instance, parents as the prime agent of socialization should show a sense of appreciation in the form of a smile when somebody does some errand.

This exposure will be captured by the child through observation, gives attention to details, tries to imitate to retain what was exemplified and demonstrate the same action when one may do an errand for him. On the other hand, the situation should also be favorable where there is not much quarrel, smoking, drugs, aggressions, and the like. The above situation when maintained may reinforce positive result to the child’s personality. Sources Cited Huesmann, R., & Taylor. L., (2006). The role of media violence on violent behavior.

Annual reviews of public health. Vol. 27: 393-415. Tolman’s theory, ( 2006). In Elsevier's Dictionary of Psychological Theories. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/form?qurl=http%3A%2F. Retrieved on July 8,2011.