behaviourist approach Flashcards
1
Q
key assumptions about the behaviour approach
A
- only interest in studying behaviour that can be observed or measured
- rely on lab studies
all behaviour is learned - babies mind as a blank state
- behaviour is the same in all species
- classical and operant conditioning
2
Q
what is classical conditioning
A
- learning through association
3
Q
what is operant conditioning
A
- learning through consequences
4
Q
who studied classical conditioning
A
pavlov (1927)
5
Q
what was pavlov’s research
A
- showed how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell if the sound was present at the same time they were given food
6
Q
how did pavlov’s conditioning work
A
before conditioning
- food is unconditioned stimulus
- salivation is unconditioned response
bell is a neutral stimulus
after conditioning
- bell is a conditioned stimulus
- salivation is a conditioned response
7
Q
who studied operant conditioning
A
skinner (1953)
8
Q
what is positive reinforcement
A
- receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed
- increases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated
9
Q
what is negative reinforcement
A
- when by avoid something unpleasant results in a positive outcome
- increases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated
10
Q
what is punishment
A
- an unpleasant consequence of behaviour
- decreases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated
11
Q
strength of behaviourist approach
A
- well controlled research
- focus on the measurement of observable behaviour withing a highly controlled lab setting
- by breaking down behaviour into stimuli response units extraneous variables are removed allowing cause and effect to be established - real world application
- operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems
- used in prisons and psychiatric wards
12
Q
limitations of behaviourist approach
A
- environmental determinism
- sees all behaviour as conditioned by past experiences
- according to Skinner our past conditioning history determines the outcome of actions
- ignores influence of free will
