Week 2 lesson 1– Behaviourism & Psychoanalysis Flashcards
What is behaviourism?
Behaviourism is a psychological perspective that focuses on observable behavior rather than internal mental processes.
Who is the founder of behaviourism?
John B. Watson.
What was John B. Watson’s view on nature vs. nurture?
Watson believed that nurture (environment and learning experiences) shape behavior more than genetic factors (nature).
What is the main focus of behaviourism?
Studying stimulus-response (S-R) relationships to understand how external factors influence behavior.
Who discovered classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov.
What is classical conditioning?
A type of learning where an organism associates two stimuli, leading to a learned response.
What are the four components of classical conditioning?
Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) → Naturally triggers a response.
Unconditioned Response (UCR) → Natural reaction to UCS.
Conditioned Stimulus (CS) → Previously neutral, now triggers a response.
Conditioned Response (CR) → Learned response to the CS.
What was Pavlov’s experiment?
Pavlov conditioned dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell by pairing it with food
What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?
When a new stimulus similar to the conditioned stimulus (CS) elicits the same conditioned response (CR).
What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?
What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?
Who developed operant conditioning?
B.F. Skinner.
What is operant conditioning?
A type of learning where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement and punishment).
A type of learning where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement and punishment).
A type of learning where behavior is shaped by consequences (reinforcement and punishment).
What is positive reinforcement?
Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase behavior (e.g., giving a reward for good behavior).
What is negative reinforcement?
Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase behavior (e.g., taking painkillers to relieve pain).
What is positive punishment?
Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease behavior (e.g., getting a speeding ticket).
What are the four schedules of reinforcement?
Fixed Ratio (FR): Reinforcement after a set number of responses.
Variable Ratio (VR): Reinforcement after an unpredictable number of responses.
Fixed Interval (FI): Reinforcement after a fixed time period.
Variable Interval (VI): Reinforcement after a varied amount of time.
What is negative punishment?
Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease behavior (e.g., taking away a child’s toy for misbehaving).
Which reinforcement schedule leads to the strongest, most resistant learning?
Variable Ratio (VR), because rewards are unpredictable (e.g., gambling).
What is systematic desensitization?
A behavior therapy technique used to reduce phobias by gradually exposing a person to their fear while practicing relaxation.
What is aversion therapy?
A technique that creates a negative association with an undesirable behavior (e.g., making someone feel sick after smoking).
