behaviourist approach

Question 1

behaviourist approach definition

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning.

Question 2

behaviourist approach assumptions

Answer 2

• all behaviour is learned from experience
• lab experiments should be the main method used to try to gain more control and objectivity
• basic processes that govern learning are the same in all species (humans can be replaced by animals for testing)

Question 3

classical conditioning

Answer 3

Learning by association. This occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together – an unconditioned (unlearned) stimulus and a new ‘neutral’ stimulus. The neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that was first produced by the unconditioned stimulus alone

Question 4

Pavlovs research

Answer 4

Pavlov showed that dogs could be conditioned
-food(UCS) leads to salivation (UCR)
-bell(NS) alone does not produce response
-food (UCS) paired with bell(NS)
-bell (CS) heard before food(UCS) now produces salivation(CR)

Question 5

operant conditioning

Answer 5

A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.

Question 6

types of reinforcement

Answer 6

• positive reinforcement- receiving a reward when a behaviour is performed
• negative reinforcement- avoidance of unpleasant stimulus that would be viewed as a punishment

Question 7

skinners research

Answer 7

The IV was the presence or absence of a reward or punishment. The dependent variable (DV) was the time taken to complete a desired behaviour
Mice were placed in skinners box.
positive reinforcement is rewarding the rat with a food pellet each time it pressed the lever which increased the likelihood of this behaviour
negative reinforcement is electrifying the floor which stopped when lever is pressed