Behavioral Theorist Different theories have been formulated by man to help in gaining understanding or explain man’s actions in various situations. One of the major theories that were created to this effect includes that of behaviorism that was developed by to two renowned psychologists, Ivan Pavlov and Skinner in the early 1900s. However, in the course of time, subsequent psychologists have continued to study and apply this particular theory in their studies and related researches. This has resulted to generation and creation of a huge volume of academic literature in this area of psychology and behaviorism. One of the articles that have been produced in the area of behaviorism includes that by Peel (2005), which evaluates whether behavioral learning theory can be used to explain the coaching practice. The article starts by exploring the history behind the development of behaviorist theory, where the contribution of Ivan Pavlov is widely mentioned and quoted. Ivan Pavlov researched and demonstrated the role of conditioning in one’s behavior. …show more content…
Watson was involved in much of research where he demonstrated the role of stimuli in creation and formation of reflexes in human. It is this application that Peel (2005) aimed to investigate in the context of coaching. In the article, coaching is defined as a beneficial relationship that is created between a client and a consultant where a wide range of behavioral approaches and techniques are applied. In order to support his argument, the article introduces the work of Thorndike, who is known for his “Law of Effect”. According to the “Law of Effect,” behaviors that are usually rewarded get strengthen and will recur while those that are punished will always weaken in the course of