The Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

Classical conditioning-learning by association

Answer 1

Classical conditioning is known as stimulus-response psychology.
Classical conditioning is learning by association when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together- an Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) (A stimuli that naturally creates a response) and a Neutral Stimulus (NS).
The Neural Stimulus eventually becomes a Conditioned Stimulus as it produces the same response as the UCS now a Conditioned Reponses. Learning has now taken place

Question 2

Ivan Pavlov study

Answer 2

Method
Lab experiment
Pavlov paired the presentation of food, (which naturally produced a saliva response - reflex) with a number of different neutral stimuli (e.g. a bell) (UCS + NS = UCS). Pavlov repeated this pairing several times.
Eventually, Pavlov presented the neutral stimulus in isolation of the UCS.
He inserted a small test tube into the cheek of each dog to measure salivation.
Results
After a number of pairings, the dogs would salivate when they heard the bell ringing (without the presentation of food)
The dog had learned an association between the bell and the food and a new behaviour had been
learnt.
Food UCS = Bell NS = Food UCS +
Salivation UCR No response
Bell NS = Salivation UCR
Conclusions
Behaviours could be learnt through making stimulus-response associations

Question 3

John Watson

Answer 3

believed we are born as a blank slate
“Tabula rasa” John Watson proposed that the process of classical
conditioning (based on Pavlov’s observations) was able to explain
all aspects of human psychology. For example the acquisition of
phobias as shown in the study of Little Albert, successfully
conditioned to fear rats

Question 4

Operant conditioning- learning through consequence

Answer 4

Operant conditioning is a form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Any behaviour that results in a desirable consequence will be more likely to happen again. Whereas any behaviour that results in an undesirable consequence will be less likely to happen again.

Question 5

Main assumptions of behaviourism

Answer 5

• Human behaviour is learnt through experience (classical and operant conditioning)
• Only observable behaviour can be studied scientifically.
• It is valid to study animals as they share the same principles of learning and
therefore conclusions can be extrapolated to humans.

Question 6

Skinners research

Answer 6

1. (positivereinforcement)Theboxcontaineda lever on the side, and as the rat moved about the box it would accidentally knock the lever. Immediately after a food pellet would drop into a container next to the lever. Skinner also tested to see what would happen if the food pellet stopped being released.
2. (negativereinforcement)theratwasplacedin
   a box and then subjected to an unpleasant electric current. As the rat moved about the box is would accidentally knock the lever. Immediately after it did so the electric current would be switched off.

Results:
1. The rat continued pressing the lever as it received a positive consequence and the behaviour has been reinforced.
2.
Conclusion: Behaviours are more likely to be repeated if they are reinforced and less likely to be repeated if punished. Therefore, behaviour is learnt through the consequences of actions.