The Behaviourist Approach Flashcards
Summarise the three parts to the Behaviourist Approach.
-studies behaviour that can be observed and measured, not concerned with investigated mental processes
-rejected introspection as it concepts were too vague/ difficult to measure
-uses controlled lab studies and non human studies.
What is the process to Pavlov’s classical conditioning?
He showed how the neutral stimulus of a bell can pair with the unconditioned stimulus of food with dogs, eventually eliciting a new conditioned response, through association.
What is the process of Skinner’s operant conditioning?
When a rat activated a lever/pigeon pecked a disc, it was rewarded with a food pellet.
From this he identified the two types of consequence which increase behaviour repetition and punishment which decrease behaviour repetition.
What are the three types of consequences of behaviour?
Positive reinforcement — receiving reward for behaviour
Negative reinforcement — avoiding something unpleasant with behaviour
Both increase repetition
Punishment — unpleasant consequence of behaviour to decrease behaviour repetition.
What are the two beliefs of John B Watson (little Albert study) ?
—denied completely the existence of the mind / consciousness
—believed that all individual differences in behaviour were due to different experiences of learning
What is the process of the little Albert study regarding classical conditioning terms?
Loud noise (UCS) > Fear (UCR)
White Rat (NS) + Loud Noise (UCS) > Fear (UCR)
Eventually, White Rat (CS) > Fear (CR)
What are the two strengths to The Behaviourist Approach?
Well-controlled research — focuses on thorough measurement of observable behaviour
Real-world application — e.g token economy systems reward appropriate behaviour with tokens that can be exchanged for privileges.
What is the issue regarding counterpoint that contrasts the strength of ‘well-controlled research’ ?
The theory may oversimplify learning and ignore important influences, i.e social + cognitive learning, on behaviour. E.g thoughts/emotions
What is the main limitation of the Behaviour Approach?
It sees all behaviour determined by past experiences, and ignores any influence free will may have on behaviour. Skinner suggested free will was an illusion— that our past conditioning forms the outcome. This ignores any conscious-decision making.
What is the ethical issue with The Behaviourist Approach?
Despite procedures with animal testing providing high degrees of control, the animals were kept in harsh, cramped conditions and were often very hungry. Some argue for the enormous benefits of animal testing, some argue against the harming of animals.
