Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

assumption 1

Answer 1

Using objective and scientific methods to observe external behaviour rather than thoughts and feelings.

Question 2

What is the behaviourist approach in a couple of words?

Answer 2

Classical/Operant conditioning studied with scientific techniques

Question 3

Outline Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning

Answer 3

Pavlov- salivation in dogs.
food UCS = UCR saliva
bell NS + food UCS = UCR saliva 
bell CS = CR salvia 
Dogs behaviour can be conditioned.

Question 4

Outline Skinner’s research into operant conditioning

Answer 4

Skinner’s-operant conditioning in pigeons and rats.
rats in skinner boxes pull lever for negative reinforcement.
pigeons peck disc for food.
continued doing so = they were conditioned.

Question 5

What is positive reinforcement

Answer 5

receiving a reward when a behaviour is performed. Therefore, the behaviour is more likely to be repeated.

Question 6

What is negative reinforcement?

Answer 6

when an animal or human avoids something unpleasant. Therefore, the behaviour is more likely to be repeated.

Question 7

What is punishment?

Answer 7

an unpleasant consequence of behaviour. Therefore, behaviour is less likely to be repeated.

Question 8

Strength - using natural sciences

Answer 8

brought natural sciences into psychology.
e.g. with lab experiments
This means you can be more sure that the results are reliable and you can establish cause and effect. Overall, using these scientific methods enhanced the credibility of psychology.

Question 9

Strength - real life application

Answer 9

Token economies (operant conditioning) where behaviour is rewarded with tokens/prizes. This is used in schools and prisons to encourage good behaviour with rewards. 
Systematic desensitisation has been used as counter conditioning to remove fears.
Overall, these real life applications working and having true benefits shows that the behaviourist approach is a valid explanation of behaviour.

Question 10

Weakness- ignoring free will

Answer 10

Environmental determinism is the idea that someone has no choice over their actions and decisions due to their environment. People may not take responsibility for their behaviour if it is determined by their environmental experiences only.

Question 11

assumption 2

Answer 11

there’s little difference between the learning of humans and animals so you can research with both.

Question 12

assumption 3

Answer 12

behaviour is learnt through stimulus-response in classical/operant conditioning.