Evaluation of Classical and Operant Conditioning

Question 1

Pavlov’s study of classical conditioning and Skinner’s studies of operant conditioning. Why is this supporting evidence?

Answer 1

-Supports validity of behaviourist approach
-Suggests behaviour can be learned through classical conditioning andoperant conditioning

Question 2

The principles of conditioning have been applied to a broad range of real-world behaviours and problems. What evidence is there to support this?

Answer 2

Operant conditioning in token economy systems used successfully in prison and psychiatric wards.
Classical conditioning used effectively in treatment of phobias through flooding and systematic desensitisation.

Question 3

The principles of conditioning have been applied to a broad range of real-world behaviours and problems. Why des this have real-world application?

Answer 3

-Applications of approach support external validity as suggests principles can be used to explain wide range of behaviours and helps support treatments
-Positive economic implications
-Beneficial for people who lack insight of their phobia

Question 4

Skinner relies on the experimental method, using controlled conditions. What evidence is there to support this?

Answer 4

He was able to manipulate independent variable to accurately measure the effects on the dependent variable

Question 5

Skinner relies on the experimental method, using controlled conditions. Why is this a strength?

Answer 5

-Establish cause and effect relationships between consequences of behaviour
-Supports internal validity of approach

Question 6

From a behaviorist perspective, animals are seen as passive and machine-like responders to the environment with little conscious insight into their behaviour. What evidence is there to support this?

Answer 6

By treating humans as a product of conditioning alone means that we ignore the evidence for the role of other factors shaping behaviour such as social learning theory.

Question 7

From a behaviorist perspective, animals are seen as passive and machine-like responders to the environment with little conscious insight into their behaviour. Why is this a weakness?

Answer 7

-Suggests that learning theory may apply less to humans than animal behaviour.
-Skinner rejected this cliam, arguing that theses internal states are scientifically untestable

Question 8

Determinism is the idea that our behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces beyond our control rather than our free will to do something. What evidence is there to support this?

Answer 8

The behaviourist approach sees all behaviour as determined by past experiences that have been conditioned.
Skinner suggested that everything we do is the sum total of our reinforcement history.
Behaviourist approach has been accused of environemental determinsim.

Question 9

Determinism is the idea that our behaviour is shaped or controlled by internal or external forces beyond our control rather than our free will to do something. Why is this a weakness?

Answer 9

-Ignores any possible influence that free will may have on behaviour
-Whilst it is more scientific
-It has negative consequences of people taking responsibility for their actions