Approaches - behaviourist approach Flashcards
What is the behaviourist approach
A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
Why was it developed?
In attempt to make pyschology more scientific by using highly controlled experiments, criticised earlier attempts to study internal mental processes, sees the mind as a ‘black box’
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by association. Occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together
What is operant conditioning?
A form of learning which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment
What was Pavlov’s research on classical conditioning?
Conditioning dogs to salivate when a bell rings:
UCS -> UCR NS - bell UCS - food UCR - salivation
NS -> no response
NS+UCS
CS - bell CR - salivation CS->CR
What is positive reinforement
Give an example
Receiving a reward when behaviour is performed
e.g praise from a teacher for answering a question correctly in class
What is negative reinforcement
Give an example
Avoiding something unpleasant when a behaviour is performed
e.g a rat may learn through negative reinforcement that pressubg a level leads to avoidance of an electric shock
What is punishment
Give an example
An unpleasant consequence of behaviour which decreases the likelihood of repeating behaviour
e.g being shouted at by a teacher for talking during a lesson
What are the strengths of the behaviourist approach (3)
- Focuses on the present not the past
- Has real life application
- Uses scientific methodologies
Strength of the behaviourist approach: Focuses on the present not the past
- explain this
The behavioural approach has the advantage of focusing on the “here and now” rather than the past, as does the psychodynamic model.
This is because many people are unaware of the reasons for their abnormal behaviour in the past, and it is more crucial to address current problems.
Additionally, the approach helps explain behavioural differences between cultures since it acknowledges the significance of our current environment in forming our behaviour.
Strength of the behaviourist approach: Has real life application
- explain this
P: Another strength of the behaviourist approach is that it has real life application
E: For instance, behaviour modification schemes like token economies have benefited from the application of operant conditioning concepts like positive reinforcement.
E: Token economies include the practice of rewarding convicts for good deeds (such cleaning their cells) with tokens that may be redeemed for rewards. This would promote the long-term development of positive behaviour.
L:The behaviourist approach benefits people and is consequently beneficial because of this contribution to real life.
Strength of the behaviourist approach: Uses scientific methologies
- explain this
P: A strength of the behaviourist approach to psychology is that it employs scientific methods
E: For instance, research bias is eliminated because studies are conducted in closely monitored laboratory settings and data is collected from observable behaviours.
E: Experiments can be replicated because of standardised procedures made possible by highly controlled, objective research
L:This makes it a strength because it makes the findings more valid and enables reliability testing by the researchers. It also strengthens psychology’s credibility as a science.
What are the limitations of the behaviourist approach (2)
- Extrapolating from animals
- Can be considered reductionist
Limitation of the behaviourist approach: Extrapolating from animals
- explain this
P: A weakness of the behaviorist approach is that there is a lot of research done on animals
E: For instance, the principles of operant conditioning are based on research on rats by Skinner, while those of classical conditioning are based on studies by Pavlov on dogs.
E: This is problematic because many psychologists argue that because humans are significantly more complex physically and cognitively than animals, findings from studies with animals cannot be applied to humans.
L: This leads us to question the externalvalidity of the data supporting ideas like classical and operant conditioning. Consequently, we cannot be certain that the theories can be applied either because the behaviourist approach is based on studies that might not apply to humans, which diminishes the validity of the approach.
Limiation of the behaviourist approach: Can be considered reductionist
- explain this
P: A weakness of the behaviourist approach is that it is considered reductionist
E: For instance, the methodology oversimplifies a complicated behaviour like learning by attributing it only to “stimulus and response” relationships.
E: Therefore, it ignores a plethora of other variables that may also impact our behaviour, including our genetic make-up and biology (particularly in the context of credible McGuffin research indicating the potential influence of genes).
L: This reduces the behaviourist approach’s validity by restricting its explanatory depth and giving the impression that it is incomplete.
