Learning Approach

Question 1

What is the learning approach?

Answer 1

A learner is believed that start of as a clean slate and the behaviour that develops in the learner is through a type of learning theory.

Question 2

Define ‘tabula rasa’.

Answer 2

Being a blank slate.

Question 3

List the key psychologists in the learning approach.

Answer 3

1) Pavlov (1897)
2) Thorndike (1905)
3) Watson and Rayner (1920)
4) Skinner (1936)
5) Bandura (1963)

Question 4

Give 3 strengths of the learning approach.

Answer 4

1) Lab experiments means research is highly reliable due to high levels of control making it replicable
2) Practical applications in modifying behaviour
3) Highly scientific due to objective research

Question 5

Give 3 weaknesses of the learning approach

Answer 5

1) Use of animals in research decreases generalisability
2) Ignores the influence of cognitive processes on learning
3) Reductionist as ignores biological influences