The Behaviourist Approach Flashcards
What are the key assumptions in the behaviourist approach?
It is only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured, not mental processes. Behaviourists believe all behaviour is learnt, a baby begins as a blank slate - tabula rasa. This followed Darwins ideas of all species learning the same - so animals replaced humans in experiments.
What was Pavlov’s research into classical conditioning?
Learning through association - he showed how dogs would salivate at the sound of a bell if the bell was rung whilst presented with food.
NS = NR
UCS = UCR
NS + UCS = UCR
CS = CR
What was Skinner’s research into operant conditioning?
Learning through consequences.
Positive reinforcement - receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed.
Negative reinforcement - having a negative experience removed as a reward for a certain behaviour.
Punishment - an unpleasant consequence of behaviour.
What is the strength - well-controlled research?
One strength is that it is based on well-controlled research. Behaviourists focus on the measurement of observable behaviour in highly controlled lab settings. By breaking behaviour into stimulus-response, you can establish C+E.
What is the limitation - oversimplification?
Behaviourists may have oversimplified the learning process by reducing behaviour to such simple components they are ignoring an important influence - human thought. This suggests learning is more complex than suggested, and private mental processes are also essential.
What is the strength - Real-World application?
The principles of conditioning have been applied IRL. Token economies have been implemented successfully using operant conditioning in the form of tokens that can be exchanged for privileges. This increases the value of the approach.
What is the limitation - environmental determinism?
It sees all behaviour as a sum of previous experiences, but this ignores the influence of free will or mental processes. This is an extreme position and ignores the influence of conscious decision-making.
