Attachment Flashcards
What is behaviourism also known as?
Learning Theory.
Who started behaviourism in the early 1900s?
John Watson.
Why did Watson believe earlier psychological research wasn’t scientific?
Because introspection couldn’t be verified as true or false.
What are the three main assumptions of behaviourism?
- Nearly all behaviour is learnt. 2. Animals and humans learn in the same ways. 3. The ‘mind’ is irrelevant.
What is the role of genetics according to behaviourism?
Behaviourism focuses on learning, not genetics, though some genetic causes may exist.
How do animals and humans learn according to behaviourism?
Through stimulus-response associations and reinforcement.
What is meant by ‘the mind is irrelevant’ in behaviourism?
Behaviourists focus only on observable and measurable behaviour.
What are the two types of conditioning proposed by behaviourists?
Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Who discovered classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov.
What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in classical conditioning?
A stimulus that naturally triggers a response, e.g., food causing salivation.
What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?
A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus, e.g., salivation to a bell.
What is positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?
Adding something desirable to increase behaviour, e.g., giving a reward.
What is negative reinforcement in operant conditioning?
Removing something undesirable to increase behaviour, e.g., stopping a shock.
What was the aim of Skinner’s 1938 experiment?
To study how rats learn through operant conditioning.
What device did Skinner use in his experiments?
A Skinner box.
What was the conclusion of Skinner’s operant conditioning experiment?
Rats learn to press a lever through reinforcement of food rewards.
What ethical concerns are associated with Watson and Rayner’s ‘Little Albert’ study?
The study was unethical as it caused distress and couldn’t be repeated today.
What did the ‘Little Albert’ study demonstrate?
Fear responses could be conditioned in humans.
What are some weaknesses of behaviourism?
Focus on animals makes generalisation difficult; ignores genetics and mental processes.
What are some strengths of behaviourism?
Scientific methods, focus on observable behaviour, and practical applications like therapy.
What is generalisation in classical conditioning?
A CR is produced in response to stimuli similar to the CS.
What is discrimination in classical conditioning?
A CR is not produced in response to stimuli different from the CS.
What is extinction in classical conditioning?
A CR is weakened when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.
What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?
The reappearance of a CR after a period without the CS being presented.
What is the role of Watson in making psychology more scientific?
Watson came up with assumptions to take a scientific approach to psychology.
What is an example of a reflex in behaviourism’s assumption that nearly all behaviour is learnt?
Blinking when we get dirt in our eyes.
What is an example of an instinct according to behaviourism?
Instinctively running when in danger.
What example supports the idea that humans and animals learn in the same ways?
Learning to drive a car is similar to a cat learning to use a cat-flap.
How does behaviourism use the assumption ‘Nearly all behaviour is learnt’ to design research methods?
It uses the principles of learning as its main research goal.
What was Pavlov studying when he discovered classical conditioning?
How dogs’ salivation helps them digest food.
In Pavlov’s experiment, what became the conditioned stimulus (CS)?
The sound of the bell.
What is higher-order conditioning in classical conditioning?
A new CS is created by associating it with the original CS.
How does classical conditioning explain a baby feeling happy when hearing its mother’s voice?
The voice is paired with meeting needs, becoming a conditioned stimulus (CS).
What is the principle of extinction in classical conditioning?
The CR stops when the CS is presented without the UCS.
What is a real-life example of negative reinforcement?
Being told there will be no extra homework if you pass your test.
What was the result of Skinner’s experiment with rats pressing a lever?
The rats quickly learned to press the lever for food.
What type of reinforcement did Skinner use to prevent an electric shock?
Negative reinforcement.
What does the ‘Little Albert’ experiment show about fear?
Fear can be conditioned in humans through association.
What is one criticism of behaviourist research on animals?
It overlooks the influence of genes on behaviour.
What is one reason behaviourists use animals in research?
They are easy to keep and don’t know they are being studied.
What is one practical reason researchers have to justify using animals today?
Ethics require assessing whether it’s acceptable to use animals in experiments.
What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?
When a previously extinct CR reappears after the CS is presented again.
What does the principle of discrimination in classical conditioning refer to?
A CR is not triggered by stimuli that are too different from the CS.
