learning approaches: behaviourist approach

Question 1

behaviourist approach

Answer 1

believe all behaviour is learned and basic processes which govern language are same in all species (animals and humans)
- only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured (not mental processes)

Question 2

classical conditioning

Answer 2

learning by association
- occurs when unconditioned/unlearned stimulus (UCS) and a new neutral stimulus (NS) are repeatedly paired together, eventually NS produces same response originally produced by UCS

Question 3

briefly explain Pavlovs dog study on classical conditioning (1927)

Answer 3

dogs were conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell (NS) if the sound was repeatedly heard at same time they were given food (conditioned/new learned response)
- due to association (classical conditioning) they would now salivate every time at a bell (even without food)

Question 4

operant conditioning

Answer 4

Skinner suggested it was an active process of learning in which humans and animals operate on their environment, and behaviour is shaped by consequences (positive and negative reinforcement, punishment)

Question 5

briefly explain Skinners research into operant conditioning: the 3 consequences that shape our behaviour (1953)

Answer 5

positive reinforcement: receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed (e.g. answering Q right and teacher gives praise)

negative reinforcement: when an animal or human avoids something unpleasant so their outcome can be a positive experience
- (e.g. skinner box experiment, rats learnt that pressing lever for food would lead to avoidance of electric shock so they were conditioned to avoid unpleasant stimulus)

punishment: an unpleasant consequence of behaviour that decrease likelihood of repeating behaviour (e.g. teacher shouts at you for talking = finding a way to avoid this is negative reinforcement)

Question 6

give one strength of behaviourist approach

Answer 6

it is based on well controlled research
- focused on measuring observable behaviour in controlled lab settings
- by breaking down behaviour into basic stimulus response units, all extraneous variables were removed allowing cause and effect relationships to be established
- e.g. skinner demonstrated how reinforcement influenced behaviour in animals (rats)
- suggests that behaviourist experiments have scientific credibility

Question 7

give one limitation of behaviourist approach

Answer 7

sees all behaviour as conditioned by past conditioning experiences
- skinner believed everything we do is due to our conditioning history that determines an outcome
- this ignores and possible influence free will has on behaviour
- therefore it is an extreme position that ignores influence of conscious decision making processes on behaviour (cognitive approach)