Approaches:Behavioural Approach and SLT Flashcards
What are the 3 key assumptions of the behaviourist approach
-behaviour is learnt from experience , it isn’t inherited
-its valid to study animals as the same principles apply to humans and animals
-only observable behaviour should be studied
Who developed classical conditioning?
Operant conditioning?
classical-Pavlov
operant-Skinner
Describe classical conditioning
2 points
-learning occurs through the pairing of a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus that produces an automatic response
-after several pairings the neutral stimulus becomes associated with the response and is able to elicit the response on its own
Describe operant conditioning
-behaviour is based on the principle of learning by consequences
(reinforcement and punishment)
Describe Pavlov’s research
2
Pavlov noticed dogs started to salivate when his research assistant opened the door as they had associated this noise with food
-investigated it further by ringing a bell every time he gave them food , eventually they salivated whenever they heard the bell even if food wasn’t present
Describe Skinner’s research
2
he used the Skinner box which contained a response lever which prompted the release of pellets to the rats and the floor could also administer electric shocks
-he found rats continued pressing lever once it learned it would get food , and it stopped pressing it when it learned it would lead to a shock
What are the 2 types of reinforcement and how do they influence the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated?
Does punishment increase/decrease likelihood of repetition?
positive-more likely to occur due to positive consequences(rewards)
negative-more likely to occur to avoid negative consequences
decreases likelihood to avoid negative consequences
What are the 2 strengths of the behaviourist approach?
+research used scientific methods
they focused on observable behaviour in controlled conditions using replicable methods which increases the validity of their findings
-this means the approach has been influential in the development of psych as a science
+practical apps
the principles of conditioning have been applied to a range of RW behaviours such as OCD which has led to treatments for these disorders which have been found to be effective
this increases external validity
What are the 2 weaknesses of the behaviourist approach?
-use of animal research
there is a lack of validity in applying findings to humans as it was underestimated just how physiologically different humans and animals are so hard to generalise approach to humans
-lack of biology , the emphasis is on the environment but evidence from twin studies suggests there is a genetic basis for some behaviours , suggesting the approach is incomplete
Who developed the Social Learning Theory and what did they believe about how behaviour is learnt?
Bandura
-he believed that people learn behaviour through the observation of others and the reinforcement or punishment they receive
Outline the SLT …
3 points
1) identification occurs-observer associates with a role model because they want to be like them or feel similar to them
2)they imitate the models behaviour(modelling)
-this is more likely to occur if the model was positively reinforced for their behaviour
(vicarious reinforcement)
What did Bandura argue was involved in imitation?
he said its not automatic , there are other thought processes involved(mediational processes)
State and describe the 4 mediational processes
attention-observer must pay attention to behaviour of the model
retention-behaviour of model has to be remembered
reproduction-observer must have the ability/opportunity to replicate the behaviour
motivation-observer must want to replicate the behaviour
What is a strength of the social learning theory?
+there is supporting evidence
Bandura’s research which was carried out in controlled settings demonstrates social learning occuring in real life which enhances the external validity of the theory
What is a further strength of the social learning theory?
+accounts for cultural differences in behaviour
-an observation of the !Kung tribe found low levels of aggression which the SLT can explain as this tribe don’t value aggression and don’t use it therefore it won’t be observed and imitated , this further enhances the validity
