Approaches - Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

Assumptions: the behaviourist approach focuses on and is only interested in behaviour that can be observed

Question 2

Classical conditioning

Answer 2

Classical conditioning:

• Proposed and studied by Pavlov
• when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together (UCS + NS) and the neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response as the unconditioned stimulus alone

UCS = UCR
UCS + NS = UCR
CS/NS = CR

Question 3

Operant conditioning

Answer 3

Operant conditioning:

• Proposed by Skinner
• Form of conditioning where behaviour is shaped based on its consequences.
• Positive reinforcement: Learning is achieved by rewarding for certain behaviours (E.g praise from a teacher when answering the question correctly)
• Negative Reinforcement: Learning is achieved when something undesirable is removed as a result of a certain behaviour (E.g handing in an essay to avoid detention from a teacher)
• Punishment: Learning is achieved from a consequence as a result of a certain behaviour (E.g Getting yelled at by a teacher for not doing work
• Skinners Rats

Question 4

Evaluation

Answer 4

Strength:

• Able to bring natural science into psychology
• Observable behaviour in highly controlled settings
• Influential in psychology as a scientific discipline

Limitation:

• Ethical issues with studies
• Skinners box involved rats being in stressful and harmful situations
• Could have influenced their actions on the box