Confessions from stephen SNEAD 1

Behaviorism and Cognitive Thinking of Stephen Snead

Norfolk State University

Rita R. Corbett

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Abstract

Based on the confession submitted by Stephen Snead I believed that he recognized within
himself that his cognitive development as well as his ecological background were two
contributing factors that played a major part in his actions. Cognitive theories by definition from
our textbooks explain or emphasize mental aspects of development such as logic and memory.
Developmentalist Jean Piaget has a Cognitive-Developmental theory focused on childrens
thinking and how environmental stimuli influences their behavior. I think if we go back to the
basics and get somewhat of an insight as to what his biological and ecological background
looked like we could better understand why Mr. Snead made continuous bad decisions when
placed in his predicament.
Keywords: cognitive, ecological, Cognitive-Developmental theory, logic, memory.

Confessions from stephen SNEAD

Behaviorism and Cognitive Thinking of Stephen Snead

Cognitive-Developmental Theory
Snead mentioned in his confession of how he, at times, second guessed his decisions but due to
his current situations, he still completed certain actions. After reading his confession I believe that he was
stuck in a situation so overwhelming for him that he instantly went into fight or flight mode. This sudden
change in his mode, cognitive stability and overall rationale forced him to choose between Should I
work myself out of the situation I created or let someone else handle it? Of course, his drug use played a
part in his decisions as well. A drug use that would have come from his environment and how he acts in
his comfort zones like around family and friends.

Cognitive theories by definition from our textbooks explain or emphasize mental aspects
of development such as logic and memory. Developmentalist Jean Piaget has a CognitiveDevelopmental theory focused on childrens thinking and how environmental stimuli influences
their behavior. Of course, Piagets stages of research revolve around children from birth to 12
years of age. Yet, I believe that we sometimes steadily use basic skills that we learned even from
younger ages; one being how we think in cases of trauma, excitement, and normal day-to-day
tasks. Snead mentioned of how a month before the incident he was heavily into drugs and often
retreated to his bad habits and qualities which resulted in his decision to find a fast way to
recover from some of his debts. Piagets formal operational stage describes how children begin
to manipulate and manage what if situations. I think that Snead tried to create the most logical
what if ordeal for himself even though he was under the influence of drugs and was not mentally
in the right mind to make such a life changing decision.

Confessions from stephen SNEAD

Exosystem. I think if we go back to the basics and get somewhat of an insight as to what his
biological and ecological background looked like we could Bette understand why Mr. Snead made
continuous bad decisions when placed in his predicament. Behavior genetics are defined as the effect of
hereditary on individual differences. Believing that traits and behaviors are influenced by genes of those
related to a person including intelligence and aggressiveness. Back to Sneads problem, I think that due
to his traits and behaviorism picked up from those around him when growing up he decided that he could
make the best out of his situation and find a solution. What he did not take into account was that he was
never mentally ready to fix his predicament. His drug use and the pressure of being in the situation caused
his to decide the fastest and quickest way out of his problem thinking that if he removed his debt by
robbing the store, even with his plan of action, he would be okay in the end. Hopefully Snead has delved
deep and realized his mistakes as well as grown from then in order to continue to replace his bad habits
and continue his overall healthy mental development.

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References

Snead, S. (2014). Article Title. Confessions of Stephen, Pages 1-2.