Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

What is the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 1

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

Question 2

What is classical conditioning?

Answer 2

Learned by association. When an US and A Neutral stimulus is paired.

Question 3

What is Operant Conditioning?

Answer 3

A form of learning. Behaviour is maintained by its consequences.

Question 4

What is Reinforcement?

Answer 4

A consequence of behaviour that increases chance of behaviour happening again. Can be positive or negative

Question 5

Explain Assumptions in the Behaviourist Approach?

Answer 5

• They are not concerned with processes of the mind as they are irrelevant.
• Watson rejected Introspection as there was too many concepts. Difficult to measure
• They used lab studies and believed all behaviour is learned.
• Also thought animals replaced humans as experimental subjects.
• Behaviourists said theres two types of learning. Operant and classical

Question 6

Explain Classical Conditioning (Pavlov’s research) Behaviourist approach?

Answer 6

• Classical Conditioning is through association and demonstrated by Pavlov.
• Showed how dogs could show a conditioned salivate when the food was given same time as bell.
• Dogs learned to associate the two through a neutral and conditioned stimulus.

Question 7

Explain Operant Conditioning in Behaviourist approach (Skinners Research)?

Answer 7

• Skinner said that learning is an active process and behaviour is shaped by consequences.
• Pos reinforcement is receiving a reward when behaviour is performed. (Praise from teacher when answering in class)
• Neg reinforcement occurs when you avoid to being unpleasant. (giving in essay not to be told off)
• Punishment decreases chance of repeating behaviour

Question 8

Explain Skinners Box?

Answer 8

• Skinner done experiments with rats. When it was in the box it would pull the lever to get the food to show pos reinforcement. But also get electric shock to show neg reinforcement.

Question 9

Evaluate Well controlled research in Behaviourist approach?

Answer 9

• This is based on well controlled research. They focus on measurable behaviour with highly controlled settings.
• All extraneous variables were removed

Question 10

What is a counterpoint on Well controlled research?

Answer 10

• Behaviourists have oversimplified the process by reducing behaviour to simple components and ignored important influence of learning. the mind. Cog and Soc have drawn attention to this.

Question 11

Evaluate real world application in Behaviourist approach? (strength)

Answer 11

• Operant conditioning is the basis of the token economy system
• Prisons and psychiatric wards have been rewarding people of their behaviour in exchange for privileges and increases chance of repeating behaviour.

Question 12

Evaluate limitation in behaviourism approach?

Answer 12

• Behaviour is conditioned from past experiences.
• Skinner said our past conditioning history determined the outcome.
• Ignores free will and ignores conscious decision making process on behaviour.

Question 13

Evaluate behaviourism and gaming through behaviourist approach?

Answer 13

• Video games is a form of skinners box providing reinforcement.
• For example shooting the zombies leads to a higher succession of completing the level and a high score. Shows reinforcement like food
• Use of joystick is like lever