Sociology – Paper 1 – Socialisation and identity | e-Consult
Paper 1 – Socialisation and identity (1 questions)
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Answer:
| Aspect | Behaviourist Approach | Cognitive Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Core Assumption | Learning is a change in observable behaviour caused by external stimuli and reinforcement. | Learning involves internal mental processes; individuals actively construct meaning. |
| Key Theorists | B.F. Skinner, John Watson. | Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky. |
| Learning Mechanism | Conditioning (classical & operant); reinforcement and punishment shape behaviour. | Schema formation, assimilation, accommodation; social interaction and language facilitate cognitive development. |
| Implications for Socialisation | Emphasises role of direct instruction, drills, and reward systems (e.g., token economies in schools). | Highlights importance of dialogue, scaffolding, and peer interaction in internalising norms. |
| Criticisms | Ignores internal thought processes; can lead to overly mechanistic view of human behaviour. | May underestimate the power of environmental reinforcement; harder to measure empirically. |
Both perspectives acknowledge that socialisation is a learning process, yet they differ fundamentally in whether they focus on external reinforcement or internal cognition. Effective educational practice often integrates elements of both to support behavioural compliance and deeper understanding.