Learning Approaches

Question 1

The behaviourist approach - (A01)

Answer 1

Assumptions - Observable behaviour is all that is needed to be studied.
Basic processes same in all species.

Classical conditioning (Pavlov) - Research on salivation in dogs.
Association of UCS with NS to produce new CS and CR.

Operant conditioning (Skinner) - Research with rats and pigeons in Skinner box.
Animal operates on environment shaped by consequences.
Reinforcement (positive and negative).
Punishment.

Question 2

The behaviourist approach - Evaluation (A03)

Answer 2

Well-controlled research - Behaviour broken down to stimulus-response units, helps remove extraneous variables.
Counterpoint - reducing behaviour in this way removes important influences on behaviour (e.g. thought)

Real-world application - Token economy systems used in prisons and psychiatric institutions.

Environmental determinism - All behaviour influenced by past experience, no room for free will.

Evaluation extra: Ethical issues - Controlled conditions important for research but not good for animals (e.g. kept hungry).

Question 3

Social learning theory approach - (A01)

Answer 3

Assumptions- Behaviour is learned from experience.
In contrast with behaviourism, learned through observation and imitation of others (social).

Vicarious reinforcement - Observation leads to imitation if behaviour is vicariously reinforced (Bobo doll experiment).

Mediational processes - Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation.

Identification - More likely to imitate role models you identify with (e.g. attractive, high status).

Question 4

Social leaning theory - Evaluation (A03)

Answer 4

Cognitive factors - More comprehensive account of learning than proposed by the behaviourist approach.
Counterpoint - underestimates influence of biology, social learning involves mirror neurons in the brain.

Contrived lab studies - Demand characteristics (Bobo doll is designed to be hit), so low validity.

Real-world application - SLT can account for development of cultural differences e.g. in gender role.

Evaluation extra: Reciprocal determinism - Less determinist than behaviourism (reciprocal determinism).