Behaviourist Approach + Evaluation Flashcards
What is the behaviourist approach?
The behaviourist approach is a way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
What are the main assumptions of the behaviourist approach?
- Only interested in studying observable behaviour
- Not interested in investigating mental processes of the mind
- All behaviour is learned so babies are born as ‘blank slates’ that gain experience from the environment.
What do behaviourists reject?
Behaviourists e.g. John B Watson (1913) rejected introspection as it was too subjective and vague
What do behaviourists want in their studies?
Behaviourists try to maintain more control and objectivity within research e.g. use of lab studies
Do behaviourists use animals in studies?
Yes as they believe that the basic processes that govern behaviour are the same for all species.
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association
Who first demonstrated classical conditioning?
Pavlov (1927) showed how dogs could be conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell if the sound was repeatedly presented at the same time as the food
What did Pavlov’s dogs learn?
Pavlov’s dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (stimulus) with food ( another stimulus) and would produce a salivation response when they heard the sound
What is operant conditioning?
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained through its consequences e.g. Reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment
What did Skinner suggest?
B.F. Skinner suggested that learning is an active process whereby humans and animals operate on their environment.
What is positive reinforcement?
Receiving a reward for performing certain behaviours
What is negative reinforcement?
Avoiding something unpleasant so that the outcome is a positive experience e.g. handing in your homework on time so that you do not get punished
What is punishment?
An unpleasant consequence of behaviours
1) Strength of behaviourist approach (well controlled research)
P- Based on well controlled research (focused on observable behaviour in highly controlled lab settings)
Exp- Extraneous variables are removed ( broken down into basic stimulus- response units)
> therefore, clear cause and effect is established
E.g. Skinner showed how reinforcement influenced on animal’s behaviour
2) Strength of behaviourist approach (token economy)
P- Real world applications (principles of conditioning have been applied to real-world behaviours and problems)
E.g. Operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems in institutions e.g. psych wards and prisons
Exp. Token economy systems involve rewarding appropriate behaviour with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges.
Increases the value of the behaviourist approach as it has widespread application.
