Behaviourist approach Flashcards
What are the assumptions of the behaviourist approach?
Behaviour is the result of learning/interaction with the environment, focus is on observable and measurable behaviour not mental processes and basic processes that govern learning all the same in all species
How does the behaviourist approach investigate?
Lab experiments
Why is behaviourism highly scientific?
They only study observable behaviour where it can be precisely controlled and measured
What is classical conditioning?
Learning by association
What is operant conditioning?
Where behaviour is shaped by consequences
What are the key terms of classical conditioning?
UCS - unconditioned stimulus, UCR - unconditioned response, NS - neutral stimulus, CS - conditioned stimulus and CR - conditioned response
What is the process of classical conditioning?
- There is an UCR for the UCS
- A NS is introduced
- A CS results in a CR
What is the difference between operant conditioning and classical conditioning?
Operant conditioning is more active as voluntary actions have an effect
What are the types of operant conditioning?
Positive and negative reinforcement
What is positive reinforcement?
Gaining a reward as a result of something
What is negative reinforcement?
Removal or stopping of something unpleasant
What is the result of both negative positive and reinforcement?
Behaviour is more likely to be repeated
What is the effect of punishment?
Behaviour is less likely to be repeated
