approaches in phsycology Flashcards
the behaviourist approach
only concerned with studying behaviour that can be observed and measured. it is not concerned with mental processes of the mind. introspection was rejected by behaviourists as its concept was too vague and difficult to measure
controlled lab studies
behaviourists try to maintain more control and objectivity within their research and rely on lab studies to achieve that.
use of non human animals
behaviourists suggest the process that govern learning are the same in all species, so animals can replace humans
classical conditioning
learning by association
UCS -> UCR
NS -> no response
NS + UCS
CS -> CR
pavlovs experiment
conditioning dogs to salivate when a bell dings.
before conditioning : UCS - food UCR - salivation NS- bell
during conditioning : bell and food occur at same time
after conditioning : CS - bell CR- salivation
pavlov showed how a neutral stimulus can come to elicit a new learned response through association
operant conditioning
refers to learning as an active process whereby humans and animals operate on there environment. behaviourism is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
skinners research
rats and pigeons in speciffically designed cages (skinners boxes)
when a rat activates a lever (or pigeon taps a disc) it was rewarded with a food pellet
a desirable consequence led to behaviour being repeated
if pressing a lever meant an animal avoided an electric shock, the behaviour would also be repeated.
positive reinforcement
receiving a reward when behaviour is performed - increase the likelihood a behaviour be repeated
negative reinforcement
avoiding something unpleasant when a behaviour is performed - increase the likelihood a behaviour be repeated
punishment
an unpleasant consequence of behaviour - decrease the likelihood a behaviour be repeated
