Comparison Of Approaches: Behaviourist

Question 1

Nature/nurture

Answer 1

Nurture because it only focuses on the environment shaping behaviour, like watching or learning behaviours that are not inherited
Suggests that all behaviour is learnt through interaction with the environment thru processes like oc and cc

Question 2

Reductionist/holistic

Answer 2

Reductionist because it simplifies complex human behaviour to basic observable actions that are influenced by the environment in cc and oc , ignoring potential influence from biological and cognitive factors
Reduces complex human actions to learned responses to stimuli , as seen in cc

Question 3

Deterministic/ free will

Answer 3

Deterministic because it suggests that all behaviour is shaped by external stimuli and reinforcement , leaving little to no room for consious descisions and free will
For example skinner argues that behaviours are learnt thru interactions w environment, through reinforcement, cc and oc
So behaviour is predictable and determined by prior experiences rather than individual choice

Question 4

Treatment of abnormal behaviour

Answer 4

Operant: token economies, which involve reinforcing desirable behaviours by rewarding them with tokens or points that can be later exchanged for privileges and rewards. Helps individuals learn to exhibit more adaptive behaviour by reinforcing positive actions and reducing negative ones
Flooding: used to treat anxiety based disorders like phobias, form of exposure therapy that involves exposing the individual to their feared stimulus in a controlled and safe environment without gradual steps , to force the person to confront the fear directly