Behaviourist Approach Flashcards
Who created the behaviourist approach?
Pavlov
Skinner
Watson
Name the key assumptions of the behaviourist approach.
- Observable and measurable behaviours
- Attempts of maintaining control and objectivity through lab experiments
- Basic processes that govern learning are the same in all species
- Animals can replace humans in experiments
What are the two types of conditioning?
Classical
Operant
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association
Who created classical conditioning?
Pavlov
What is the theory of classical conditioning called?
Stimulus-response model
Describe and explain the process of classical conditioning.
Before conditioning —> unconditioned stimulus leads to unconditioned response
A neutral stimulus is introduced which leads to no conditioned response
During conditioning —> neutral stimulus + unconditioned stimulus leads to unconditioned response
After conditioning —> conditioned stimulus leads to a conditioned response
What is operant conditioning?
Learning through consequences
Who created operant conditioning?
Skinner
What is positive reinforcement?
Receiving something pleasant when a behaviour is performed that increases the chance the behaviour is repeated
Give an example of positive reinforcement.
A good grade on a test —> getting a takeaway
What is negative reinforcement?
Occurs when an an individual avoids a particular action or behaviour to avoid punishment
Give an example of negative reinforcement.
Avoid chewing gum —> won’t get a detention
What is punishment?
An unpleasant consequence of a behaviour or action
Give an example of punishment.
Being disruptive in class *—>** get a detention
What is the study Skinner carried out into reinforcement?
Skinner box
What is the Skinner box?
A small chamber for rats to allow sustained periods of conditioning to be administered and behaviors to be recorded unsupervised.
When the rat presses the lever and receives a treat…
Positive reinforcement
When the rat presses the lever and receives a shock…
Punishment
When the rat avoids pressing the lever to avoid being shocked…
Negative reinforcement
What are the strengths of the behaviourist approach?
- High scientific credibility due to scientific methods used
- Real life application - high ecological validity
What are the weaknesses of the behaviourist approach?
- Mechanistic view of behaviour
- Environmentally deterministic
- Ethical and practical issues in animal experiments
