Approaches - The behaviourist approach Flashcards
What are the main points of the behaviourist approach?
Classical and operant conditioning
What is the behaviourist approach?
A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
What did John B Watson reject?
Instrospection as it involves too many concepts that were vague and difficult to measure
What do behaviourists try to maintain?
More control and objectivity within their research and relied on lab studies as the best way to achieve this
What do behaviourists believe?
Behaviour is learned
What do behaviourists describe a baby mind to be?
A blank slate which is written from experience
Who invented classical conditioning?
Pavlov
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by association
What is the sequence of stimuli?
Unconditioned stimulus -> unconditioned response
Neutral stimulus -> unconditioned stimulus
(continous)
Conditioned stimulus -> conditioned response
Who invented operant conditioning?
B.F Skinner
What did B.F skinner suggest?
That learning is an active process whereby humans and animals operate on the environment
What is behaviour shaped by?
It’s consequences
What is positive reinforcement?
Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed
What is negative reinforcement?
Occurs when an animal or human avoids something unpleasant
What is punishment?
An unpleasant consequence of behaviour
