Behaviourist approach Flashcards
1
Q
Outline behaviourist approach
A
- Observable behaviour that can be objectively measured
- Proposed internal mental processes are too subjective to establish general laws of behaviour
- Proposed behaviour is learned from environment (reduced to stimulus-response)
- E.g. Classical and operant conditioning
- Assumed little difference between learning that takes place in animals and humans
- Large proportion research is on animals (pavlov and skinner)
2
Q
Outline one strength of behaviourist approach
A
- Environmentally determinist
- Proposes factors such as positive and negative reinforcement so behaviour is repeated
- Strength because science relies on determinism in order to establish cause and effect
- Increases scientific status
- Adds credibility
3
Q
Outline the limitation of behaviourist approach
A
- Environmentally reductionist
- Only concerned with studying observable behaviour through stimulus response associations
- limitation because failed to consider how cognitive processes play a role
- E.g. individual has preferences of reward in positive reinforcement
- Questions credibility
4
Q
Outline final strength of behaviourist approach
A
- Led to practical applications
- E.g. Pavlov’s research led to treatment of phobias (Associating phobic stimulus with relaxation rather than fear)
- E.g. Skinner’s research led to token economies in prisons (desirable behaviour exchanged for tokens to get rewards)
- Strength because counterconditioning treatments for phobias is effective and token economies run more smoothly
- Adds credibility
