Approaches Flashcards
Who is Wundt?
Opened the first lab dedicated to field of psychology and used introspection by using controlled methods like same stimulus every time (metronome).
How did Psychology emerge as a science?
Watson questioned introspection as produced subjective data so developed behaviourist approach which had lab experiments and experimental method and this led to biological approach.
Assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Behaviour which can be observed and measured should only be studied.
Basic processes same in all species so animals can be used.
Classical conditioning
Learning through association; a neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned response to produce a conditioned response.
Operant conditioning
Learning through trial and error; humans and animals operate on environment.
Advantages of the behaviourist approach
Scientific credibility - focus on observable behaviour within controlled lab settings.
Real life application - in token economy systems and treatment of phobias.
Disadvantages of the behaviourist approach
Mechanistic view of behaviour where humans seen as passive to environment. Does not take into account mediational factors and free will.
Studies conducted on animals, so not generalisable.
Assumptions of social learning theory
People learn through observation and imitation of others so learning occurs directly and indirectly.
Vicarious reinforcement
Indirect learning occurs when person observes behaviour of another and is more likely to occur if seen to be rewarded.
Mediational factors during vicarious reinforcement
- Attention
- Retention
- Motor reproduction
- Motivation
First two is learning, last two performance.
When is vicarious reinforcement much more likely to take place?
If the observer identifies with the person seen being rewarded so sees them as a role model.
Advantages of social learning theory
Less deterministic than the behaviourist approach as takes into account some element of free will.
Disadvantages of social learning theory
Underestimates influence of biological factors.
Assumptions of the cognitive approach
Internal mental processes should be studied scientifically using inferences.
Theoretical and computer models
One theoretical model is the information processing approach which suggests information flows through the cognitive system in a sequence of stages; based on the way computers function and has led to development in AI.
