learning approaches Flashcards
outline Skinner’s research into reinforcement (3)
he used the skinner box, where rats were positively reinforced with food when they pressed the lever so that the rats repeated the desired behaviour. he concluded there were two types of reinforcement: positive - the individual is rewarded for for behaving in a desired way, and negative - where as individual has an unpleasant stimulus removed. these both increase the likelihood of the desired behaviour repeating.
explain two strengths of the behaviourist approach in psychology
has real life applications and effective treatments - e.g the theory of systematic desensitisation is still used today to treat phobias.
behaviour is visible and objective so experiments can be done through scientific method to prove it.
What do social learning theorists mean by imitation?
copying the behaviour of a role model.
use your knowledge of classical conditioning to explain why the young woman is terrified of balloons.
the neutral stimulus of the balloon produced no response before the party. during the party the neutral stimulus is associated with the unconditioned stimulus of the loud bang which produces an unconditioned response of fear - now the fear has become generalised to all types of situations involving balloons.
explain two limitations of social learning theory.
does not explain cognitive processes, leaving it to cognitive psychologists.
sees behaviour as determined through the environment, whereas some behaviours may be innate.
suggest how mr benson might use vicarious reinforcement to alter the behaviour of these children - explain your answer with reference to social learning theory.
show that there is positive consequences for models who carry out desired behaviour e.g giving privileges to those who queued up nicely.
show that there is negative consequences for undesired behaviour performed e.g show a video of child being punished for pushing in the queue.
