Behaviourism aO3

Question 1

Supports psych as a science

Answer 1

Measure only observable behaviour within highly controlled lab conditions. E.g. Pavlov measured amount of saliva produced by dog on test tube = objective not open to interpretation so it’s valid

Question 2

Ignores human cognition

Answer 2

Results in humans and animals being seen as machine like responders to environment. Doesn’t take into account the complexity of human and animal brain and mind. So it’s reductionist

Question 3

Relies heavily on animal research

Answer 3

Operated on dogs without their consent causing harm by electrocuting them. Ethical reasons, experiment and research can it be replicated today.

Question 4

Good explanatory power for human behaviour

Answer 4

Can explain development of phobias. Conditioning process - UCS causes UCR. UCS associated with NS, causing it to become CS which causes a CR.

Question 5

Research support for behaviourist explanation for dev of phobias in humans

Answer 5

Watson’s little Albert study. Albert classically conditioned to associate white rat with loud noise causing fear. He developed phobia of white rats and furry objects. Useful in explaining psychiatric disorders it may be useful in treatment

Question 6

Effective therapy

Answer 6

Pavlov and skinners research showed one can unlearn a conditioned response which can help overcome phobia. Also systematic desentisation helps create new association with the fear.