Learning Apporach Ao3

Question 1

Learning approach Ao3 Behaviourism limitation

Answer 1

Behaviourist explanation for human behaviour criticised for environmental determinism

As it states an individuals behaviour is controlled by external factors

Such as learning though stimulus response and associations (classical conditioning) or being rewarded for behaviour (operant conditioning) such as a dog associating a bell with food which leads to salivation

That inevitably cause behaviour

Thus neglects the role of free will leaving individuals feeling like they have no control over behaviour

Limiting appropriateness of behaviourist explanation of human behaviour.

Question 2

Learning approach Ao3 Behaviourism strength

Answer 2

Practical applications

Principles of the theory that behaviour is caused by classical conditioning has led to treatment of sd

This is effective in helping to unlearn maladaptive association by gradually exposing them to their phobia

Whilst they apply relaxation techniques

Thus behaviourist explanation of human behaviours is an important part of applied psychology as it helps to treat people in the real world

Question 3

Learning approach Ao3 behvaioirism limitation

Answer 3

Criticised for environmental reductionism

Reduces complex human behaviour down to simple basic units

Eg leaning through associations (classical conditioning) or reward and reinforcements (operant conditioning)

E.g negative reinforcement is relevant to phobias as avoiding phobic stimulus is maintained

Neglects holistic approach which would take into account how persons culture and social context would influence human behaviour

Behaviourist explanation may lack validity as it doesn’t allow us to understand the behaviour in context.

Question 4

Learning approach Ao3 Behavuourism strength

Answer 4

Behaviourist psychologist use scientific methods such as lab experiments

Pavlov used scientific enquiry to investigate human behaviour

Pavlov used controlled environments along side objective and empirical techniques such as measuring amount of saliva dogs produced

Durning conditioning learning through association

Therefore could be argued this increases overall internal validity of behaviourist explanation of human behaviour

Raising psychology’s scientific status