Behaviourism

Question 1

Basic assumptions of behaviourism

Answer 1

It’s primarly concerned with observable behaviour
Psychology is a science
When born, our mind is a blank slate
There is little difference between the learning that takes place in humans and that in other animals.
Behaviour is the result of a stimulus-response.
All behaviour is learnt from the enviroment.

Question 2

Classical Conditioning

Answer 2

Learning occurs when an association is made between a previous neutral stimulus and a reflex response. e.g Pavlov’s Dogs
UCS -> UCR —– NS -> NCR
UCS + NS -> UCR —– CS -> CR

Question 3

Operant Conditioning

Answer 3

Learning occurs by consequence

• > Positive reinforcement
• > Negative reinforcement
• > Punishment
  e. g Skinner’s research on Pigeons and Rats

Question 4

Strengths

Answer 4

Can easily be applied to real-life
Can modify behaviour
Reliable methods
Use of lab Studies

Question 5

Weaknesses

Answer 5

Ignores social, cognitive, and emotional aspects of behaviour.
Reductionist
Deterministic
Can be unethical

Question 6

Definition

Answer 6

Behaviorism, is a theory of learning which states that all behaviors are learnt through association and reinforcement.