Learning Approaches-The Behaviorist Approach- Operant Conditioning

Question 1

What are the main assumptions of Operant Conditioning

Answer 1

~Actions and Rewards~
Operant (an action) conditioning is a type of learning that takes place based on actions and rewards
The reward reinforces the behaviour to occur and encourages it

Question 2

Explain Skinner’s Box

Answer 2

• A mouse is placed inside a box after it has been fasting for 24 hours , this gives the mouse incentive to push the lever
• There is an imaginary line across the middle of the box halfway
• When the mouse moves into the area , a sugar pellet is dropped
• The imaginary line is moved closer to the lever

Question 3

What are the Strengths of Operant Conditioning

Answer 3

• Has proven successful in Prisons

- Increased likelihood of desired behaviour

Question 4

What are the Weaknesses of Operant Conditioning

Answer 4

• Ignores Free Will

- Ethical Issues

Question 5

What are Strengths of the Behaviourist Approach

Answer 5

• Rigorous experiment,enhances credibility

- Strong arguments for Nurture

Question 6

What are Weaknesses of the Behaviourist Approach

Answer 6

• Animals are seen as passive machine-like responders, with little to no conscious insight
• This means that research here might not translate to humans