Learning Approach - Behaviourism

Question 1

What are the assumptions for the learning approach - behaviourism?

Answer 1

• humans are born as a blank state
• all bhv is learnt from env so therefore can be unlearn
• (our bhv is all due to learning so free will is not possible)

Question 2

what is the AO1 in general for the learning approach - behaviourism?

Answer 2

• watson rejected introspection claiming it was too subjective + not measurable
• so behaviourists only study bhv that can be observed and measured so rely on lab exp as these are a better way to objectively measure bhv + maintain control
• bhvsts believe animals can replace humans in research as they learn the same way

Question 3

what are the two features of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 3

• classical conditioning
• operant conditioning

Question 4

who studied classical conditioning
(AO1)

Answer 4

• pavlov exp how bhv is learnt through stimulus, response and association

Question 5

describe the process of classical conditioning
(AO1)

Answer 5

• neutral stimulus is paired with an unconditioned stimulus = unconditioned response which is auto not learnt
• if pairing is repeated, indv learns to associate NS + UCS
• NS then becomes a conditioned stimulus = conditioned response

Question 6

describe pavlovs research
(AO1)

Answer 6

• C.C learnt through stimulus, response and association, pavlov showed dogs could be conditioned to salivate to a bell, in a controlled env
• dogs were presented with the food = UCS
• pavlov rang a bell at the same time = NS
• he repeated this process many times
• dogs learnt to associate food (UCS) with noise of bell (NS)
• bell became CS
• causing CR of salivation everytime dog heard it

Question 7

define operant conditioning and what these rewards/punishments do in terms of bhv

Answer 7

• learn bhv through consequences of rewards (reinforcement) and punishment
• positive and negative reinforcement increase the likelihood of bhv being repeated
• whereas punishement decreases the likelihood of the bhv being repeated

Question 8

Define positive reinforcement

Answer 8

• when reward is given for a bhv, this bhv is encouraged
• so bhv is repeated to gain the same reward

Question 9

How did skinner use positive reinforcement in his research?

Answer 9

• hungry rat was placed in a box
• everytime the rat pressed the lever, rat was rewarded with food
• bhv was repeated as the rat was conditioned to press lever thru pos reinforcement to receive same reward

Question 10

Define negative reinforcement

Answer 10

• doing a bhv to avoid an unpleasant consequence
• so bhv is repeated to avoid this negative consequence again

Question 11

How did skinner use negative reinforcement in his research?

Answer 11

• skinner ran an electrical current across the floor of the box, this caused the rat discomfort
• when the rat pressed the lever, current would stop
• rat repeated this bhv as it had learned by pressing the lever, unpleasant consequence of pain is avoided

Question 12

Define punishment

Answer 12

Receiving an unpleasant consequence for bhv to stop bhv being repeated