Behaviourist Approaches

Question 1

What is objective/objectivity

Answer 1

Factual results

Question 2

What is subjective/subjectivity

Answer 2

Influenced by the person’s interpretation

Question 3

What is empirical data

Answer 3

Information coming from research/observation/experience

Question 4

When was the origin of psychology

Answer 4

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)

Question 5

Define introspection

Answer 5

The systematic examination of one’s conscious thoughts/feelings

Question 6

Who used introspection

Answer 6

Wilhelm Wundt 1832-1920
Founded modern psychology

Question 7

Define reductionism

Answer 7

Breaking something down into its basic elements without losing properties of the whole
(Wundt’s philosophy)

Question 8

What was Wundt’s impact with introspection

Answer 8

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

Question 9

Strengths of introspection

Answer 9

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

Question 10

Weaknesses of introspection

Answer 10

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

Question 11

Who criticised introspection

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What does the behaviourist approach believe

Answer 12

Rests on the assumption that all behaviour is learned (also unlearned) Born with a blank slate.

Hard nurture (nature vs nuture)

Question 13

Define classical conditioning

Answer 13

Association of two events that occur together which results in response being transferred from one to another.
Guinea pigs squeaking at salad bag=food

Question 14

What is Pavlov’s dogs

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Define unconditioned stimulus

Answer 15

Naturally has the power to produce a response

Question 16

Define conditioned stimulus

Answer 16

Previously neural stimulus that squires the ability to produce specific response

Question 17

Define neutral stimulus

Answer 17

Something in environment which doesn’t cause a response

Question 18

Define unconditioned response

Answer 18

Natural reflex to unconditioned stimulus

Question 19

Define conditioned response

Answer 19

Learned response to something that doesn’t naturally have the power to produce a response

Question 20

Name the four conditioning variations

Answer 20

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

Question 21

Who was little Albert

Answer 21

Pavlov performed a similar test on Albert to create a fear of white rats due to association

Question 22

How can classical conditioning treat phobias

Answer 22

Systematic desensitisation: relaxation techniques combined with gradual increased exposure to fear inducing stimuli

Question 23

Strengths of classical conditioning

Answer 23

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

Question 24

Weaknesses of classical conditioning

Answer 24

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)

Question 25

Define operant conditioning

Answer 25

Suggests that the consequences of behaviour (punishment/reward) determine whether a behaviour will be repeated

Question 26

Define the difference between classical and operant conditioning

Answer 26

Classical is learned through association of two stimuli. While operant is learning through consequences.

Classical has involuntary response while operant is voluntary

Question 27

Why are rewards/reinforces and punishment used to increase a certain behaviour

Answer 27

To increase and decrease a certain behaviour

Question 28

What were the 3 post-behaviour responses skinner identified that can affect behaviour repetition

Answer 28

Reinforcers- increase repetition probability both positive/negative

Punishers- decrease repetition probability always negative

Neutral- no increase/decrease likelihood of repetition

Question 29

Describe the Skinner box positive

Answer 29

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)

Question 30

Describe the Skinner box negative

Answer 30

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)

Question 31

Define token economies

Answer 31

Token economies are designed to increase desirable behaviour and decrease undesirable behaviour

Question 32

How does token economy work

Answer 32

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

Question 33

Define and give examples of intrinsic motivation

Answer 33

Intrinsic means internal no physical reward.
Enjoyment
Growth
Fun

Question 34

Define and give examples of extrinsic

Answer 34

Extrinsic is working towards a physical reward
ProMotion
Prizes
Winning perks