behaviourist approach Flashcards
behaviourist approach
a way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
classical conditioning
learning by association
occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly pared together
neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that first produced by UCS
NS = no response
UCS = UCR
UCS + NS = UCR
CS = CR
operant conditioning
form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences
possible consequences of behaviour include reinforcement and punishment
reinforcement
a consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated
can be positive or negative
assumptions
- only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured
- reject introspection - instead rely on lab studies
- all behaviour is learned - blank slate
Pavlov’s research
cc - learning through association
dogs conditioned to salivate to sound of bell
showed how a neutral stimulus can come to elicit a new learned response
NS = no response
UCS (food) = UCR (salivation)
UCS + NS (bell) = UCR
CS = CR
Skinner’s research
operant conditioning
skinner box - rats and pigeons - food when button pressed or to avoid electric shock
positive reinforcement
receiving reward when behaviour performed
negative reinforcement
animal or human avoids something unpleasant
outcome is positive experience
punishment
unpleasant consequence of behaviour
well-controlled research
P - strength as well controlled
E - focused on measurable observations in highly controlled lab setting
E - allows for cause and effect relationship
L - scientific credibility
P - oversimplified the learning process
E - reduces behaviour to simple components - ignored important influences
E - SLT and cognitive mention mental processes
L - learning more complex than observation behaviours
real-world application
P - strength as applied to real-world behaviours
E - token economy systems for institutions
E - rehabilitation - operant conditioning through tokens
L - increases value of behaviourist approach - widespread application
environmental determinism
P - limitation as sees all behaviour as conditioned by past conditioning experiences
E - we are blank slate - everything we do is the sum total of our reinforcement history
E - ignores any possible influence that free will may have on behaviour
L - extreme position and ignores the influence of conscious decision-making processes on behaviour
ethical issues
P - although procedures controlled
E - ethical issues of the investigations
E - animals housed in harsh, cramped conditions and kept below weight, also had electric shocks
L - is it worth it
