Second Model for Understanding Maura's Learning and Behavior

A second model that can be used to understand Maura’s learning and behavior is the behavioral theory. In this case, the behavioral theory of learning emphasizes on the response of an individual to the environment and other prevailing factors surrounding them. Contrary to the cognitivist theory of learning, the behavioral approach does not consider the learner as highly intelligent and with the ability to store and retrieve information from time to time when faced with new situations. Rather, a particular event is associated with a particular response as one gets used to it.

In fact, since the behavioral theory is a wide model, one can narrow it down to the classical conditioning theory or paradigm. This paradigm insists that, as one learns, they master conditions that should occur when a particular stimulus is recorded or is expected.

As such, the response will be invoked whenever the stimuli are encountered or whenever one anticipates the same. The association of a particular stimulus with a conditional response exhibited in the classical conditioning model makes it the most appropriate in explaining Maura’s behavior and learning.

For instance, in the development of this theory, Pavlov noted that dogs had the ability to learn about the various factors that were associated with their feeding time such as the individual feeding them or the noise produced when preparing their feed. As a result, the sight of the individual that fed them or the noise was sufficient to trigger saliva from the dogs’ salivary glands. Similarly, Maura’s bad memories often emerge at later stages of her relationship rather than when the heartbreak is fresh.

Get quality help now

Bella Hamilton

Verified

Proficient in: Behavior

5 (234)

“ Very organized ,I enjoyed and Loved every bit of our professional interaction ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

This means that she is often anticipating that the same experience could recur beyond that point, which then triggers the bad memories as a result of the paranoia that she holds.

A model that explains Maura’s memories after time has passed The information processing constructivist theory can help in explaining Maura’s behavior of experiencing bad memories after time has passed. In this case, Mazza et al. (2017) report that the processing of information or the expansion of one’s thought is based on the perception, attention, and meaning that they append on that information. As such, one is likely to remember memories that they give the most attention. Similarly, one also gives output based on the information that they process and store in their brain and the meaning that they append on that particular information.

In the case of Maura, she is often focused on finding herself a partner immediately that she experiences a heartbreak, which then hinders the bad memories from hitting her as she is often too optimistic of finding a good match. However, the bad memories are triggered at later stages of her relationship and, since it has been reported that these thoughts appear with every partner, it is then clear that she is so much focused on the tendency of her partners to hurt her rather than guarantee her happiness in the relationship. In fact, Belford (2013) adds that such individuals should be helped to identify the information that they should prioritize so as to ensure that they eliminate or minimize the recurrence of the bad memories.

Moreover, it is the perception that the individual has as well as the part of the relationship that they focus on that determines the memories that particular events may invoke. By working on these perceptions and attitudes, one can then be in a position to adopt a healthy life as well as good relations with other people. Modification program for desirable behavior There are various programs that could be applied to resolving Maura’s case. However, it is important to ensure that the selected program is based on the model that is most appropriate for her learning needs while at the same time selecting one that best addresses her condition. In fact, this makes it inevitable to modify and customize the programs that one selects so that they perfectly meet the needs of the clients, and particularly when one seeks to achieve better results within a short period.

From the above analysis, it is evident that the classical conditioning behavioral model best addresses Maura’s condition of poorly associating events with a particular condition, which then hinders her ability to settle in relationships in the long run. As a result, the focus should be to transform her ways of perceiving various issues surrounding her while at the same time adopting a more positive thinking approach. One of the major steps within this program would be to sensitize Maura on the need for positive thinking and attitude. She should be made to understand that the past need not define her future and the events that happened with her past partners cannot necessarily dictate what will happen with her present or future partners.

It is unfortunate that Maura perceives life as one that follows a predefined graph that is similar in all cases. At the same time, sensitizing her on positive perception and attitudes will eliminate stereotyping that she holds regarding her partners. Another key step could be to sensitize Maura on the need to open up to her partner about her past experiences and her thoughts regarding the future of their relationships. According to Pornpitakpan (2012), such a step could be vital in changing her perceptions regarding her partners while at the same time eliminating the paranoia that arises at later stages of her relationships. In return, it will also help her identify actual issues surrounding her relationships and ways to resolve them on time.

Ethical considerations

There are a number of ethical issues that should be considered when designing the modification plan. For instance, it may be important that the privacy of information regarding both Maura and her partners is maintained to the best standards. At the same time, the therapist should ensure that Maura actively participates in the design of the program so as to raise its relevance by ensuring that she is not compelled into moves that she is uncomfortable with. In return, this will also raise the chances that she adheres to the set program.

Conclusion

There are various models of learning that can be used not only in teaching individuals but also in understanding their learning behavior. One such scenario that these models can be applied is in the analysis of the Maura case study. As has been identified in the above analysis, both classical conditioning behavioral models and information processing cognitivist models can be used in analyzing and understanding her situation. However, it is the information processing model that best helps in understanding the occurrence of bad memories at later stages of the subject’s relationship life. By focusing on the classical conditioning model, however, it is possible to develop a modification plan that best suits Maura’s needs.