Evaluating the behaviourist approach

Question 1

Why is this approach being deterministic a weakness/strength

Answer 1

Strength - provides a clear cause and effect understanding of behaviour
- offers a structured and predictable framework for analysis of behaviour
-allows for precise interventions, making it beneficial in areas like behaviour therapy and learning environments

Weakness - can limit the consideration of individual agency and free will in shaping behaviour
- some people may feel as if they cannot make their own decisions which is a significant weakness when it comes to the nature of human behaviour
- focuses solely on external stimuli and neglects an individuals sense of self and the role of internal processes

Question 2

Why is this approach taking on a scientific approach a weakness/strength

Answer 2

Strength - carries out research in a lab environment
e.g pavlov and skinner used controlled lab settings when investigating classical conditioning
- able to control variables
- mention watson and rayner (little albert)
- uses lab studies to conduct research and provide evidence for the assumptions they produce
-studies are controlled and a cause and effect can be established

Weakness - did have a scientific approach but would carry it out on animals
-would use these findings and generalise them to humans and animals and humans are not the same
-for example when using principles of operant conditioning much like skinner, on animals their sole purpose is to respond to the stimuli — while humans have more intricate cognitive processes that are much more complex.
- could oversimplify the complexities

Question 3

Why is this approach having practical applications a strength/weakness?

Answer 3

Strength - this approach having many successful applications is good
- have been applied successfully in the real world which demonstrates practical effectiveness within the real world
- it showcases the value of behaviourist techniques and their ways of trying to bring about a positive change in behaviour, learning and mental health.
- operant conditioning is seen within school and homes

Question 4

Weakness of this approach

Answer 4

• ignores the influence of biology as it explains behaviour as being solely influenced by the environment
• weakness as they propose that we are a result of our environment which means it overlooks the biological and genetic factors that can impact behaviour
• ignores the complex ways of behaviour and how everything influences one another which limits the understanding of behaviour

e.g behaviourists believe we are all born blank slates and that we form attachments to our mothers through the principles of conditioning
-mothers provide care, attention which in turn meets the infants needs so it creates positive reinforcement
-however other factors can can contribute to this like genetic predispositions which is overlooked