Chapter 4 Approaches - Learning aproaches Flashcards
The behaviourist approach - Assumptions?
- Observable behaviour is all that needs to be studied.
- Basic processes same in all species.
The behaviourist approach - Classical conditioning? (Pavlov)
- Research on salivation in dogs.
- Association of unconditioned stimulus with neutral stimulus to produce new conditioned stimulus & conditioned response.
The behaviourist approach - Operant conditioning? (Skinner)
- Research with rats & pigeons in Skinner box.
- Animal operates on environment, behaviour shaped by consequences.
- Reinforcement (positive & negative).
- Punishment.
Evaluation of the behaviourist approach - Well-controlled research? STRONG
- Behaviour broken down to stimulus-response units, helps remove extraneous variables.
- CP is that reducing behaviour in this way removes important influences on behaviour (e.g. thought).
Evaluation of the behaviourist approach - Real-world application? STRONG
Token economy systems used in prisons & psychiatric institutions.
Evaluation of the behaviourist approach - Environmental determinism? WEAK
All behaviour influenced by past experiences, no room for free will.
Evaluation of the behaviourist approach - Ethical issues?
Controlled conditions important for research but not good for animals (e.g. kept hungry).
Social learning theory - Assumptions?
- Behaviour is learned from experience.
- In contrast with behaviourism, learned through observation & imitation of others (social).
Social learning theory - Vicarious reinforcement?
Observation leads to imitation if behaviour is vicariously reinforced (Bobo doll experiment).
Social learning theory - Meditational processes?
Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation.
Social learning theory - Identification?
More likely to imitate role models you identify with (e.g. attractive, high status).
Evaluation of social learning theory - Cognitive factors? STRONG
- More comprehensive account of learning than proposed by the behaviourist approach.
- CP is that it underestimates influence of biology, social learning involves mirror neurons in the brain.
Evaluation of social learning theory - Contrived lab studies? WEAK
Demand characteristics (Bobo doll is designed to be hit), so low validity.
Evaluation of social learning theory - Real-world application? STRONG
SLT can account for development of cultural differences e.g. in gender role.
Evaluation of social learning theory - Reciprocal determinism?
Less determinist than behaviourism (reciprocal determinism).
