behaviourist approach Flashcards

1
Q

what does the behaviourist approach argue? (2)

A

● all our behaviour is learnt

● as babies we are born a blank state and it is our environment that shapes our behaviour

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2
Q

what behaviour are behaviourists only concerned with studying? (2)

A

● observable behaviour

● so, rely on lab experiments

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3
Q

what 2 assumptions does the behaviourist approach have?

A

● classical conditioning

● operant conditioning

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4
Q

what is classical conditioning? (2)

A

● where behaviour is learnt via association

● connection formed between unconditioned stimulus and neutral stimulus, producing a conditioned response

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5
Q

describe pavlov’s research (4)

A

● before conditioning: food (unconditioned stimulus) caused dogs to salivate (unconditioned response)

● before conditioning: pavlov rang a bell (neutral stimulus) - no response from dog

● during conditioning: pavlov rang bell (neutral stimulus) with presence of food (unconditioned stimulus) which caused dog to salivate (from food - unconditioned response)

● after conditioning: repeated pairings of food (unconditioned stimulus) and bell resulted in bell becoming a conditioned stimulus - sound of bell causes dogs to salivate (conditioned response)

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6
Q

outline the strengths of using animals in studies (3)

A

● more ethical than testing on humans

● no demand characteristics - more control over extraneous variables

● behaviourists would argue learning process in animals like rats is similar to humans

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7
Q

outline the limitations of using animals in studies (2)

A

● unethical - harmful to animal

● animals do act differently to humans - so, difficult to generalise findings from animal experiments to human behaviour (biology, experiences and capabilities vary from species)

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8
Q

describe the little albert study (4)

A

● before conditioning: sound of hammer hitting steel bar (unconditioned stimulus) causes fear and anxiety (unconditioned response) in boy

● before conditioning: white rat (neutral stimulus) causes no fear and anxiety (no response)

● during conditioning: sound of hammer a steel bar (unconditioned stimulus) and white rat (neutral stimulus) causes fear and anxiety (unconditioned response) in boy

● after conditioning: after repeated pairings, white rat (conditioned stimulus) causes fear and anxiety (conditioned response)

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9
Q

what is operant conditioning?

A

form of learning which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences

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10
Q

what is positive reinforcement? (2)

A

● involves receiving positive consequence for your behaviour (reward)

● increases likelihood behaviour will be repeated

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11
Q

what is negative reinforcement? (2)

A

● involves carrying out behaviour which avoids something unpleasant

● increases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated

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12
Q

what is punishment? (2)

A

● involves receiving negative consequence for behaviour

● decreases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated

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13
Q

explain skinner’s research (2)

A

● when rat activated lever, rewarded with food pellet - meaning rat more likely to continue pressing lever (positive reinforcement)

● also, if pressing lever meant animal avoided electric shock, behaviour would also be repeated (negative reinforcement)

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