Debate

Question 1

What is the debate for the Behaviourist approach?

Answer 1

Using conditioning techniques to control the behaviour of children

Question 2

What are some examples of conditioning at home (For)

Answer 2

The naughty step (opperant conditioning) - stops parents shouting , so is against positive reinforcement - supported by supernanny

Positive reinforcement is useful e.g pocket money encourages behaviour

Question 3

What are some examples of conditioning in schools (For)

Answer 3

Operant conditioning techniques - house points , gold stars and teacher praise all improve preformance

Research suggests that classical conditioning also could help students , if there is positive stimuli (e.g pleasant looking classrooms) the students may want to go to school

Question 4

What are some examples of conditioning in peer groups? (For)

Answer 4

We are conditioned by our peers

Negative sanctions (exclusions and criticism)

Positive sanctions (praise and acceptance)

Question 5

What are some examples of conditioning in vulnerable groups of children? (For)

Answer 5

Funhalers - Chaney et al - children had a more positive reaction to asthma treatment

Token economies - when students collect and obtain rewards - are found to improve reading performance in children

Question 6

What are the arguments against use of conditioning in the home? (Against)

Answer 6

Research claims that the naughty step can cause long-term effects - as the children will fail to reflect on their behaviour so they see it as isolation

Conditioning techniques such as the naughty step are unrealistic as they require a calm and collected mood - which is unrealistic in a busy environment

Question 7

What are arguments against the use of conditioning in school? (against)

Answer 7

Rewards and punishments may effect the childs own desire to learn - children promised a reward spent half the time on the drawing , meaning that their drive had altered

Learned helplessness may occur , meaning that children may try less hard if they are praised - confirmed by Maths test study

Question 8

What are arguments against peer group conditioning? (Against)

Answer 8

Children are far more likely to start smoking if their friends do - conditioning its not always positive

Question 9

What are the arguments against using conditioning in vulnerable groups of children?

Answer 9

It is very cost-effective and time-consuming and may not help all people (e.g learning disorders)

Question 10

Where are the 4 areas of evaulation for the Behaviourist debate?

Answer 10

Coditioning at home , in schools , in peer groups and with groups of vulnerable children