operant conditioning evaluation Flashcards
1
Q
what is the issue with research on animals in labs?
A
- issues with generalisability due to evolutionary discontinuity
- e.g. animals may be driven by more inate factors and so too different to compare to humans
2
Q
why is operant conditioning better than classical conditioning?
A
- explains a wider range of behaviours
- classical conditioning only looks at reflex behaviours in new situations, operant looks at voluntary behaviour too
3
Q
what is a practical aplication of operant conditioning?
A
- used in behaviour shaping
- e.g. to teach specific social skills to children with autism
- language is developed and reinforcers maintained when this behaviour is shown
4
Q
what is an issue with individual differences?
A
- different individuals respond differently to the same stimulus
- other factors must be involved such as cognition
- possible that some people are born with predispositions to certain behaviours
5
Q
why is a large amount of research being scientific such as MRI scans beneficial?
A
- every step in the process is observable with clear objective measures
- increases scientific credibility
6
Q
how can the application of token economies work?
A
- list of desirable behaviours is made and tokens and reinforcers are given when these are shown
- undesirable behaviour can be made extinct using lack of reinforcement
7
Q
what is the supporting study of Field et al?
A
- treatment of young people with behavioural problems involving group work and TEP
- effectieve on the whole and for those who didnt respond a programme was able to be put into place where rewards were more immediate and found to be successful
8
Q
why is the theory reductionist?
A
- ignores any role of cognition and instead looks at only behaviours
9
Q
does it explain the aquisition of behaviours or the maintainance?
A
- only looks at the maintenance of behaviours doesnt explain how they are acquired in the first place
