Approaches

Question 1

Behaviourist

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning - occurs via classical or operant

Classical - pavlov- neutral stimulus can produce a learned response through association

Operant - skinner
•positive reinforcement - rewards
•negative reinforcement - avoid something unpleasant
•punishment - unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 2

Behaviourist strength

Answer 2

Scientific credibility
-observable behaviour within lab setting emphasises importance of scientific processes such as objectivity + replication

Real life application
-token economy systems in prisons - classical conditioning - rewards appropriate behaviour with tokens

Question 3

Behaviourist limitation

Answer 3

Mechanistic view of behaviour

-slt + cognitive have emphasised importance of mental events during learning - apply less to human behaviour

Question 4

Social learning theory

Answer 4

Indirect and direct reinforcement
Observation and imitation of others within a social context

Vicarious reinforcement - observing someone else being reinforced for a behaviour

Role of mediation all processes :

1. Attention
2. Retention
3. Motor reproduction
4. Motivation

Identification
Imitate behaviour if they identify with the role model

Question 5

Social learning theory

Strength

Answer 5

Importance of cognitive factors in learning - comprehensive explanation of human learning by measuring mediational processes

Question 6

Social learning theory

Limitation

Answer 6

Underestimates importance of biological factors

Bandura bobo dolls - boys more aggressive than girls - hormonal factors - difference in testosterone - greater quantities means more aggressive behaviour

Question 7

Cognitive approach

Answer 7

Internal mental processes should be studied scientifically - psychologists make inferences about what is going on in people’s minds.

Theoretical and computer models

Role of scheme