Learning approach - BEHAVIOURISM

Question 1

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Answer 1

A strength of behaviourist explanation of human behaviour is practical app the
principles of the theory,

That behaviour is caused by classical conditioning has led to the treatment of systematic desensitisation.

This is effective in treating phobias by helping the individual to unlearn their maladaptive association to a phobic stimulus by gradually exposing them to their phobia whilst they apply relaxation techniques.

Therefore, the behaviourist explanation of human behaviour is an important part of applied psychology as it helps to treat people in the real world.

Question 2

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Answer 2

Moreover, Behaviourist psychologists use scientific methods such lab experiments to investigate human behaviour.

For example, Pavlov used objective and empirical techniques such as measuring the amount of saliva the dogs produced during conditioning.

Therefore, it could be argued that this increases the overall internal validity of the behaviourist explanation of human behaviour, therefore raising psychology’s scientifi status.

Question 3

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Answer 3

The behaviourist explanation of human behaviour can be criticised for environmental determinism. This because the proach states that an individual is controlled by external factors such as learning through
stimulus, response and association (classical conditioning) or being rewarded for a behaviour (operant conditioning) that inevitably cause behaviour. EXAMPLE.

Therefore, it neglects the role of free will, and
choice that individuals have; this could leave individuals feeling like they have no control over their behaviour.

Limiting the behaviourist explanation of human behaviour,