Behaviourist approach

Question 1

Operant conditioning

Answer 1

Learning due to the consequnces of voluntary behaviour, through positive and negative reinforcement.

Question 2

Reinforcement

Answer 2

Anything which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated

Question 3

Positive reinforcement

Answer 3

Anything which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated by using consequences that are pleasant when they happen i.e. food.

Question 4

Negative reinforcement

Answer 4

Anything which has the effect of increasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated by using consequences that are pleasant when they stop

Question 5

Punishment

Answer 5

Anything which has the effect of decreasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated by using consequences that are unpleasant when happen.

Question 6

The behaviourist approach

Answer 6

Behaviorism is primarily concerned with observable behaviour, as opposed to internal events like thinking and emotion. Observable (i.e. external) behaviour can be objectively and scientifically measured.

Question 7

Uses of SKinner’s Principle

Answer 7

Skinner’s principle of operant conditioning have been applied to many areas of psychology, for an example school, work and prison.