Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

What is the behaviourist approach?

Answer 1

Conditioning

Question 2

What are the two types of conditioning in the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 2

Classic and Operant Conditioning

Question 3

How does Classical Conditioning work in the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 3

Learning via association. This means an addiction will associate stuff with an addictive behaviour (e.g. lighter for smoking) which releases dopamine.

This creates a desire to relapse.

Question 4

How does Operant Conditioning work in the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 4

Goes into Pos and Neg Reinforcement, both reinforcing the behaviour.

Pos: Gives addict the reward of dopamine, they can also get material rewards like money (gambling) and clothes (shopping). Praise also positively reinforces, e.g. being praised for losing weight.

Neg: Removes withdrawal effects such as anxiety and guilt.

Question 5

What is the strength of the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 5

It is scientific in it’s methology, which means psychologists can use it to establish cause and effect.

E.G. Can be used for Aversion Therapy or Token Economy.

Question 6

What is the weakness of the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 6

Reeuctionalist. It ignores the biological influences that cause addiction, and thus cannot explain all human behaviour.