Behaviourism

Question 1

3 assumptions of behaviourism

Answer 1

1. we were born as blank slates
2. from birth we can all learn
3. all behaviour is learnt from the environment

Question 2

what is classical conditioning

Answer 2

learning via association. association of a neutral stimulus with unconditioned stimulus. we are conditioned to link the neutral stimulus with the now conditioned response

Question 3

what is operant conditioning

Answer 3

learning via consequence. behaviour which is reinforced via reward is likely to be repeated. behaviour which is punished is less likely to be repeated.

Question 4

what is the social learning theory

Answer 4

learning via vicarious reinforcement. people learn behaviours by observing others. behaviour is modelled by a role model which is observed, it is then learnt via vicarious reinforcement and then imitated. the behaviour is repeated depending on reinforcement and rewards

Question 5

strengths of the behaviourist perspective

Answer 5

+useful, allows for further understanding of behaviour. allows us to put intervention in place to help unlearn behaviour
+favours covert observation, we can directly observe the behaviour, this reduces demand characteristics

Question 6

weaknesses of the behaviourist perspective

Answer 6

• reductionist, ignores biological factors which could have an impact on our behaviour
• unethical, to test learning via consequences unwanted behaviour must be taught which ignores protection of pps