Examine the major theoretical perspectives within social work and their application in relation to values and practice.

Social work theories are drawn from sociological and psychological

perspectives. My essay focuses upon the behavioural approach, which developed through the works of Thorndike (trial and error learning), Pavlov (classical conditioning) and Skinner (operant conditioning) who all believed that the environment controlled behaviour. I will analyse its operations and assumptions and highlight a case study in which this approach could be applied in intervention. Then identify some possible dilemma and conflicts in relation to this case study and make an attempt to apply the learning

theories of classical and operant conditioning. This will lead me onto critically appraising the strengths and limitations of behavioural theory and identifying the values that this theory assumes to promote.

In conclusion I will highlight the benefits of this theory and the need to ensure that it is applied p…(short extract)