approaches advanced information Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the behaviourist approach
Nearly all behaviour is learnt apart from instincts and reflexes.
Animals and Humans learn the same way through stimulus-response associations.
The mind is irrelevant as it cannot be scientifically observed or measured.
What is classical conditioning in the behaviourist approach
Learning by association when two stimuli are repeatedly together.
UCS -> UCR
NS + UCS -> CS
CS -> CR
What is operant conditioning in the behaviourist approach
Positive reinforcement - receiving a reward which encourages behaviour to be repeated.
Negative reinforcement- avoidance of unpleasant stimulus causes behaviour to be avoided.
What are the strengths of the behaviourist approach
Scientific credibility. Focused on measurable behaviours. This means it is objective. Instrumental in developing psychology as a science.
Real application. Used to create token economies. Encourage positive behaviour in prisoners. Less crime in prison.
what are the limitations of the behaviourist approach
Highly deterministic. Suggests actions are determined by past experiences. Suggest people are not responsible for behaviour.
Ethical issues. Shocking animals. Not necessary can’t generalise to humans.
what are the assumptions of social learning theory
behaviour is learned from environment
behaviour can be learnt directly from classical and operant conditioning and indirectly through vicarious reinforcement
what is identification in social learning theory
children are more likely to imitate the behaviour of people they identify with
what are the mediational processes in social learning theory
1- attention to certain behaviour
2- retain the behaviour
3- able to reproduce behaviour
4- motivated to perform behaviour (vicarious reinforcement)
what are the strengths of social learning theory
Provides comprehensive explanation. Recognises mediational processes. Other learning theories ignored. Less reductionist.
Explains cultural differences in behaviour. In Africa males look after kids feminine in UK. Explain cultural norms. Useful in explaining range of behaviour.
what are the limitations of social learning theory
Over reliance on lab studies. Bandura demand characteristics. BoBo dolls meant to be hit. Children doing what is expected. Doesn’t tell us about learning aggression.
Underestimates biological factors. Bandura found boys more aggressive. Explained by higher testosterone factors. Reduces validity of research.
what is free will in the humanist approach
the notion that humans are not determined by biological or external forces
what is self actualisation in the humanist approach
the desire to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s full potential being what you’re capable of
what are maslows hierarchy of needs in the humanist approach
five layered hierarchy where basic needs must be met before higher psychological needs.
5- self actualisation 4- self-esteem 3- love and belongingness 2- safety and security 1- physiological needs
what is the self in the humanist approach
ideas and characteristics that characterise “i” and “me” and include perception of “what i am” and “what i can do”
what is congruence in the humanist approach
when the self and ideal self match
what are conditions of worth in the humanist approach
when a parent limits or places boundaries on their love for their children
what is counselling psychology in the humanist approach
client centred therapy created by rogers to encourage clients to discover their own solutions in a warm atmosphere
what are the limitations of humanistic psychology
Not scientific. Ideas like congruence are difficult to measure scientifically. Short on empirical evidence.
Cultural bias. More geared to individualist cultures. Collectivist cultures like china may not identify. May be product of individual cultural context.
