Behaviourist Approach (approaches) Flashcards
What are the key assumptions of the behaviourist approach?
Behaviour is learned from experience
Only observable behaviour is measurable scientifically and it is only these behaviours that should be studied
Animal research is valid as they share the same principles and learning as humans
All humans are born a blank slate, there is no genetic influence on behaviour
What is meant by a paradigm shift?
A widespread change in thinking
For example, many psychologists did not value Wundt’s methods and found them unreliable so they turned towards more objective and scientific research
Principles of the behaviourist approach
Behaviourists are interested in observable and measurable phenomena such as reactions
They believe that mental processes are not as important as the role of the environment/experience in behaviour
Biology is not part of the approach
Behaviourists adopt the principle that humans are just animals, therefore they argue that animal research is strongly generalisable to humans
Pavlov 1927
He noticed that dogs would start salivating before the food was presented (when the food bowl was presented)
He began to systematically explore the conditions in which this happens
For example, he conditioned a dog to salivate when a bell rung
What is classical conditioning?
When a neutral stimulus is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus so that it takes on the properties of the stimulus, producing a conditioned response
Conditioning can only take place if the NS can be used to predict the UCS
This association is not permenant and will wear off over time if they are no longer presented together
However, after extinction the link can be learned very quickly again (spontaneous recovery)
What can classical conditioning be used to explain?
The initiation of phobias as well as the development of an attachment between mother and child
Little Albert (Watson and Raynor)
They presented Albert with a white rate and he showed no fear
They presented Albert with a white rat and a loud bang and startled him
After the continuous association of the two stimuli little Albert was classically conditioned to experience fear at the sight of the rat
Albert’s fear generalised to other stimuli similar to the rat including Santa’s beard
Classical conditioning diagram
What can operant conditioning be used to explain?
The maintenance of phobias and the maintenance of attachments between mother and child
How does operant conditioning work?
Fear of phobic stimulus leads us to avoid it
Avoidance results in calming and lack of negative outcomes
Avoidance negatively reinforced phobia
E.g. infant is motivated to cry by hunger
This is reinforced by food (primary reinforcer)
Mother has food (secondary reinforcer)
Infant cries for mother
Infant seeks proximity to mother
Mother is motivated to provide care by crying
Mother seeks infant and provides care
Care negatively reinforced by cessation of crying
Mother cares for infant more and more
Strengths of operant conditioning
Lab (reliable) studies to support theories meaning they can be easily replicated
Real world application
Scientific - objective and reliable
Weaknesses of operant conditioning
Ethical issues in studies (animal studies not generalisable to people)
Blank slate - nature vs nurture (we are not born as a blank slate and genetics play a role)
Reductionist approach
Determinism
