Behaviourist approach

Question 1

What is the learning theory?

Answer 1

All behaviour is learned through experience rather than innate (born)

Question 2

What are behaviourists?

Answer 2

Group of psychologists to provide early explanation of behaviour through learning: classical and operant conditioning

Question 3

What is the social learning theorist?

Answer 3

Earlier learning theory from the behaviourist and suggests learning doesn’t take place via direct learning but by observing behaviour of others

Question 4

What did behaviourists think it was only possible to measure?

Answer 4

Inputs/stimuli and outputs/behaviour

Question 5

What are the strengths of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 5

• scientific - observe and measure behaviour
• focuses on present - doesn’t use past experiences

Question 6

What are the weaknesses of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 6

• emphasises on nurture - doesn’t take any biological factors into account
• ethical issues - uses animals - humans don’t respond the same way

Question 6

What are the strengths of the SLT?

Answer 6

• Bandura’s study - children copy aggression
• school shootings have been linked to video games + violence

Question 7

What are the weaknesses of the SLT?

Answer 7

• children could be naturally aggressive
• video games can act as an aggression release

Question 8

What is the cognitive approach?

Answer 8

How our mental processes can affect behaviour

Question 9

What are the strength of the cognitive approach?

Answer 9

• scientific + objective = highly controlled, labs, emergence of neuroscience
• practical = can be applied to practical contexts such as AI

Question 10

What are the weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

Answer 10

• mechanistic reduction = ignores how emotions can affect the system

Question 11

What is the biological approach?

Answer 11

Examines biological processes and looks at the effects on individuals

Question 12

What are strengths of the biological approach?

Answer 12

• scientific = labs, sophisticated techniques - data is reliable
• real life = understand and treat mental illnesses

Question 13

What are the weaknesses of the biological approach?

Answer 13

• assumes relationships with neurotransmitters and behaviour - not enough evidence
• determinist nature - suggests behaviour is determined by physiology - have no free will