Learning theory: Behavioural approach

Question 1

What are the assumptions of the behaviouralist approach ?

Answer 1

• We are born as a ‘tabula rosa’- everything we become is shaped by the process of learning from our environment
• extreme nurture end of the nature-nurture debate
• focus on observable behaviour which can be objectively measured
• thinks lab experiments are the best way to achieve this
• Darwins ideas that learning is the same in all species - animals could replace humans as subjects

Question 2

What is the principal of classical conditioning ?

Answer 2

• learning through association between stimulus and response.
  Important features:
• timing
• extinction
• spontaneous recovery
• stimulus generalisation

Question 3

What was Pavlov’s study ?

Answer 3

• classical conditioning is learning through association
• looked at how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell
• This was done by giving the dog food to start with which caused the salivating
• Gradually they learnt to associate the bell with food and salivated at the sound of the bell rather than the food

Question 4

What is a diagram to show the process of classical conditioning - fear of balloons ?

Answer 4

Neutral stimulus (Balloon) = no response
Unconditioned stimulus (loud noise) = unconditioned response (fear)
Conditioned stimulus (balloon) + unconditioned stimulus (loud noise) = unconditioned response (fear)
Conditioned stimulus (Balloon) = conditioned response (fear)

Question 5

What was Skinners Box experiment with the rat ?

Answer 5

1. rat is hungry and performs various exploratory behaviours
2. By change he presses the lever
3. A pellet of food appears
4. Continues to do it

Question 6

What are the features of operant conditioning ?

Answer 6

• learning through consequences
• schedules of reinforcement
• continuous reinforcement (establishes a response)
• partial reinforcement schedule (avoids extinction)

Question 7

What was Skinner’s findings on the different types of operant conditioning ?

Answer 7

Positive reinforcement = receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed
Negative reinforcement = when the subject avoids something unpleasant and receives a positive experience as a result
Punishment = unpleasant consequences of behaviour

Question 8

What is the evaluations of the behavioural approach to learning theory ?

Answer 8

Strength = Real-world application :
Operant conditioning in classroom management - students being rewarded by the token economy systems

Strength = well-controlled
Focused on observable behaviours in highly controlled lab settings. Has scientific credibility

Limitation = Oversimplifies the learning process
Suggests that stimulus’ always lead to a response. Didn’t look at the role of thought/motivation

Limitation = potentially unethical
Treatment of animal before and during the studies, they were made deliberately hungry and in cramped conditions