behavioural approach - assumptions

Question 1

what is the first assumption of the behavioural approach?

Answer 1

we are born as a blank slate (tabula rasa) :
- behaviourists argue that our environment shapes us
- therefore we are born neutral with only the most basic responses
- everything we are has come about from experiences, nothing is innate

Question 2

what is environmental determinism?

Answer 2

• all we are is because of our environment, our personalities and behaviours are determined by our environment
• this means that in a way we are born without free will

Question 3

what is the second assumption of the behavioural approach?

Answer 3

behaviour is learned through conditioning : - classical conditioning and operant conditioning

Question 4

what is classical conditioning and examples?

Answer 4

• when an association is made between a previously unlearned response and a neutral stimulus
• Ivan Pavlov and his dogs
• Little Albert and the rat

Question 5

what is operant conditioning?

Answer 5

• learnt through consequence
• focuses on rewards and punishment
• it is more voluntary than classical
• it is different from classical because the consequence comes after the response

Question 6

what are the terms for conditioning?

Answer 6

• REINFORCEMENT : something that increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated
• positive reinforcement : a behaviour that is strengthened in the expectation of a positive outcome/reward (money when you clean your room)
• negative reinforcement : a behaviour that is strengthened by stopping, removing or avoiding a negative outcome (doing homework to avoid detention)
• PUNISHMENT : something that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated
• positive punishment : an undesirable behaviour is decreased because it is followed by an unfavourable outcome or event (a fine from speeding)
• negative punishment : an undesirable behaviour is decreased because it is followed by the removal of something desirable (phone confiscated because its used in class)

Question 7

what is the third assumption of the behavioural approach?

Answer 7

humans and animals learn in similar ways :
- behaviourists believe there is little difference in the ways humans and animals learn, therefore the research done on animals can be applied and generalised to humans
- e.g. Pavlov’s research on dogs
- this knowledge has been to develop treatments such as systematic desensitisation for phobias

Question 8

how can classical conditioning be applied to relationship formation?

Answer 8

• we form relationships with people we associate pleasant things with
• if we meet someone when we are feeling happy then we are much more inclined to form a relationship with them than if we met them when feeling unhappy

Question 9

how can operant conditioning be applied to relationship formation?

Answer 9

• a new relationship may be positively reinforcing, for example, receiving attention and compliments
• a relationship can also be negatively reinforcing as it avoids feelings of loneliness and missing out