4.2.1 - Behavourist Approach

Question 1

What is the key approach

Answer 1

Nothing is innate, all behaviour is learnt from the environment

Question 2

Features of behaviourist approach

Answer 2

• Uses classical conditioning: learning through association by pairing two stimuli together.
↳ UCS → UCR
UCS + NS → UCR
CS→ CR

• Uses operant conditioning: learning through rewards and consequences (positive/negative reinforcement & punishments)
↳ token economy

Question 3

Research methods used in behaviourist approach

Answer 3

lab environments are used to
carry out Investigations:
- little Albert and pavlovs dogs (classical conditioning)
- Skinners box (operant conditioning)

Question 4

Negatives of the behaviourist approach

Answer 4

• little Albert investigation was unethical, he experienced
  stimulus generalisation and trauma
• Skinners box cannot be directly compared to humans as we have a higher level of consciousness. Animals will also not respond to demand characteristics
• Ignores cognition and emotion.
• token economy is unethical as it shapes behaviour and the effects are only short term

Question 5

Describe little Albert investigation

Answer 5

Before conditioning:
rat(NS) > no fear
Hammer(UCS) > fear(UCR)

During conditioning:
Rat(NS) + Hammer(UCS) > fear(UCR)

After conditioning:
Rat(CS) > fear(CR)

Question 6

Describe Pavlovs dogs

Answer 6

Before conditioning:
Food(UCS) > dog salivates(UCR)

During conditioning
Food(UCS) + bell(NS) > dog salivates(UCR)

After conditioning:
Bell(CS) > dog salivates(CR)

Question 7

Explain positive reinforcement

Answer 7

Receiving a reward when certain behaviour is carried out, strengthening behaviour.

Question 8

Explain negative reinforcement

Answer 8

The want to avoid something unpleasant

Question 9

Explain punishment

Answer 9

An unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 10

Describe skinners box investigation

Answer 10

Conducted experiments on rats and sometimes pigeons
- demonstrated positive reinforcement:
Every time the rat activated the lever, they were rewarded with a food pellet. The rat would then continue to activate the lever.

• demonstrated negative reinforcement:
  The box would have an electric floor that shocker the rats. The lever in the box turned off the electric floor when activated by the rats, so they would continue to activate the lever.