Learning Approaches Flashcards
What is the primary focus of the Behaviourist Approach?
Observable behaviour
Behaviourists argue that psychology should only study observable behaviour, rejecting introspection and the study of internal mental processes.
How do behaviourists maintain objectivity in their research?
By conducting controlled experiments in laboratory settings
This helps eliminate extraneous variables and ensures reliable data.
What do behaviourists believe about the origins of behaviour?
All behaviour is learned
They believe behaviour is acquired through classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
What is the concept of ‘tabula rasa’?
‘Blank slate’
It posits that individuals are born without innate ideas or behaviours and learn everything from experiences.
Define classical conditioning.
Associating a neutral stimulus with a meaningful stimulus to elicit a conditioned response
This concept was demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov’s experiments with dogs.
What did Pavlov discover in his research on classical conditioning?
Dogs could learn to associate the sound of a bell with food
This led to salivation when only the bell was rung.
What is operant conditioning?
A learning process where behaviour is shaped by its consequences
It involves reinforcement and punishment.
Who originally proposed the Law of Effect?
Edward Thorndike
This principle influenced B.F. Skinner’s work on operant conditioning.
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a rewarding stimulus to increase a behaviour
This encourages the behaviour to occur more frequently.
What is negative reinforcement?
Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour
This also encourages the behaviour to occur more frequently.
What is punishment in the context of operant conditioning?
Applying an unpleasant consequence to reduce behaviour
Only punishment extinguishes a behaviour.
What does Social Learning Theory (SLT) propose?
Behaviour is learned through experience, including indirect experiences
It emphasizes learning from observing others.
What role do role models play in Social Learning Theory?
Individuals adopt the behaviours of role models
This can include people in their environment or those portrayed in the media.
List the four mediational processes emphasized by Bandura.
- Attention
- Retention
- Reproduction
- Motivation
These cognitive factors are crucial for learning.
What is modelling in the context of SLT?
Learning by observing others’ behaviours
Models can be live (physically present) or symbolic (portrayed in media).
What is vicarious reinforcement?
Learning through observing the consequences of others’ actions
If a model is rewarded, an observer is more likely to imitate that behaviour.
What was the main finding of Bandura’s Bobo doll experiment?
Children who observed aggressive behaviour were more likely to imitate it
This was especially true if they saw the adult being rewarded.
True or False: The Behaviourist Approach includes the study of internal mental processes.
False
It focuses solely on observable behaviour.
Fill in the blank: The Behaviourist Approach is underpinned by the idea of the _______.
tabula rasa
This concept suggests that all behaviour is learned.
What is the significance of Skinner’s research using the Skinner Box?
It demonstrated operant conditioning
Rats learned to press a lever for food or to avoid an electric shock.
