Behaviourist Approaches Flashcards
What is objective/objectivity
Factual results
What is subjective/subjectivity
Influenced by the person’s interpretation
What is empirical data
Information coming from research/observation/experience
When was the origin of psychology
1500’s study of the soul
1800’s modern psychology shifted to study the mind
The change was the acceptance of the link between conscious mind and biological processes (aided by Darwin evolution theory)
Define introspection
The systematic examination of one’s conscious thoughts/feelings
Who used introspection
Wilhelm Wundt 1832-1920
Founded modern psychology
Define reductionism
Breaking something down into its basic elements without losing properties of the whole
(Wundt’s philosophy)
What was Wundt’s impact with introspection
Introspective techniques used in therapy today to rest depression. This impacts economy because people more productive at work
Wundt later realised that introspection could not fully illuminate higher mental processes
Strengths of introspection
Founded modern psychology. He performed controlled experiments that could be repeated
Long term impact although he realised limitations it prompted the development of brain scanning used today
Reductionism allows complex ideas to be understood
Helps with depression
Weaknesses of introspection
Difficult to obtain objective data/unreliable
Reports may be altered/untruthful
Always a delay between thought/reporting lead to forgetting thoughts
Can’t be used on children/animals
Can’t see why people think those thoughts
Who criticised introspection
Watson and skinner (behaviourists)
Criticised its subjectivity because you can’t make generalisations from its use in research. Pushing for systematic scientific methods/controlled lab experiments
What does the behaviourist approach believe
Rests on the assumption that all behaviour is learned (also unlearned) Born with a blank slate.
Hard nurture (nature vs nuture)
Define classical conditioning
Association of two events that occur together which results in response being transferred from one to another.
Guinea pigs squeaking at salad bag=food
What is Pavlov’s dogs
Example of classical conditioning.
Pavlov rang a bell every time fed his dog. Over time the dogs associate the bell with food causing the bell to induce salivation.
Define unconditioned stimulus
Naturally has the power to produce a response
Define conditioned stimulus
Previously neural stimulus that squires the ability to produce specific response
Define neutral stimulus
Something in environment which doesn’t cause a response
Define unconditioned response
Natural reflex to unconditioned stimulus
Define conditioned response
Learned response to something that doesn’t naturally have the power to produce a response
Name the four conditioning variations
Extinct: CR reduced/disappears because CS is repeatedly presented without UCS
Spontaneous recovery: CR appears in weakened form in response to CS
Generalisation: stimuli similar to CS produced CR
Discrimination: CR only produced in response to CS and no other similar stimuli
Who was little Albert
Pavlov performed a similar test on Albert to create a fear of white rats due to association
How can classical conditioning treat phobias
Systematic desensitisation: relaxation techniques combined with gradual increased exposure to fear inducing stimuli
Strengths of classical conditioning
Supported by multiple experimental studies (can be replicated)
Applied to real world a sky explains phobias and can treat phobias
Positive approach as it suggests behaviour can be changed/ change bad habits
Economic impact is that people are cured of phobias living a more normal life=work/tax
Weaknesses of classical conditioning
Explains reflexes not all behaviours in response to UCS
Can’t explain all psychological disorders. As not all phobias from association
Ignore biological causes of behaviour/ key genetic differences between individuals
Ethical concerns- little Albert
Lack of generalisability (case studies/animal studies)
Define operant conditioning
Suggests that the consequences of behaviour (punishment/reward) determine whether a behaviour will be repeated
Define the difference between classical and operant conditioning
Classical is learned through association of two stimuli. While operant is learning through consequences.
Classical has involuntary response while operant is voluntary
Why are rewards/reinforces and punishment used to increase a certain behaviour
To increase and decrease a certain behaviour
What were the 3 post-behaviour responses skinner identified that can affect behaviour repetition
Reinforcers- increase repetition probability both positive/negative
Punishers- decrease repetition probability always negative
Neutral- no increase/decrease likelihood of repetition
Describe the Skinner box positive
Example of positive reinforcement
Hungry rat in box with lever to dispense food
After a few times in box rat learns that lever=food ( positive consequence)
This consequence of food ensure the action would be repeated (strengthened behaviour)
Describe the Skinner box negative
Example of negative reinforcement
Rat in box where there is continual electric shocks until turned off by lever
After multiple rounds of electrical shocks ray learns to press lever
The negative consequence of shocks stopping ensured the action would be repeated (strengthened behaviour)
Define token economies
Token economies are designed to increase desirable behaviour and decrease undesirable behaviour
How does token economy work
Tokens are given for desirable behaviour
Tokens are traded for access to desirable items/activities
The chosen reward are primary reinforcers
The tokens themselves are secondary reinforces
Define and give examples of intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic means internal no physical reward.
Enjoyment
Growth
Fun
Define and give examples of extrinsic
Extrinsic is working towards a physical reward
ProMotion
Prizes
Winning perks
