Learning Theory - Behaviourism

Question 1

Assumptions

Answer 1

Behaviour learnt

Focus on observable behaviour

Animals/human learn same

Psychology scientific/objective

Question 2

Classical Conditioning

Answer 2

Learning through association

Pavlov's Dogs 
US -> UCR
NS -> No CR
NS + UCS -> UCR
CS -> CR

Question 3

Operant Conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through consequences

+ Reinforcement - receiving rewards

• Reinforcement - stops something unpleasant

Skinner’s Rats

Question 4

Application

Answer 4

Increase understanding of causes of phobias + attachment

Rise to therapies (systematic desensitisation)

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

• experimental support (Pavlov/Skinner/Little Albert)
• introduce scientific methods (lab experiments / high control EV / Replicable + objective / more credible
• not generalisable (animals/humans)
• no biological factors