The learning approach: Behaviourism

Question 1

Explain Classical conditioning

Answer 1

Learning by association. Occurs when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together - an UCS and a new ‘neutral’ stimulus. The NS eventually produces the same response that was first produced by the unlearned stimulus alone.

Question 2

Explain Pavlov’s research

Answer 2

Pavlov revealed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell if that sound was repeatedly presented at the same time as they were given food. Gradually, Pavlov’s dogs learned to associate the sound of a bell (NS) with the food (UCS) and would produce the salivation (CS) response every time they heard the sound.

Question 3

explain operant conditioning

Answer 3

A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement or punishment.

Question 4

what kind of process does Skinner suggest is ‘learning’ and what 3 types of consequences of behaviour does he state

Answer 4

Skinner suggested that learning is an active process whereby humans animals  operate on their environment.
3 types:
positive reinforcement 
negative reinforcement
punishment

Question 5

Positive reinforcement

Answer 5

receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed ; e.g praise from a teacher when answering a question correctly in class.

Question 6

negative reinforcement

Answer 6

occurs when an animal avoids something unpleasant. For example when a student hands in an essay so as not to be told off.

Question 7

punishment

Answer 7

an unpleasant consequence of behaviour for example being shouted at by a teacher for talking during lesson.

Question 8

difference between reinforcement and punishment?

Answer 8

positive and negative reinforcement increase the likelihood that behaviour will be repeated. Punishment decreases the likelihood that behaviour will be repeated.