Week 8 Origin And Evolution Of Behaviourism

Question 1

What is the primary aim of Behaviourism?

Answer 1

To understand behavior through objective observation and scientific methods

Behaviourism emphasizes observable behaviors over introspective methods.

Question 2

What philosophical viewpoint underpins Behaviourism?

Answer 2

Positivism

Positivism argues that knowledge must be gained through objective observations.

Question 3

What are the key criticisms of Structuralism?

Answer 3

• Lack of objectivity
• Difficulty with replication
• Unsuitable methods for studying animals

Structuralism relies on introspection, which is criticized for its subjectivity.

Question 4

What is Functionalism’s focus?

Answer 4

The functions of the mind and its applications in psychology

Functionalism is more aligned with evolutionary theory.

Question 5

Who conducted the Puzzle Box experiments that influenced Behaviourism?

Answer 5

Edward Thorndike

Thorndike’s work emphasized systematic and controlled procedures.

Question 6

What phenomenon did Pavlov’s studies of digestion lead to?

Answer 6

Classical conditioning

Pavlov’s experiments demonstrated stimulus-response connections.

Question 7

What are the principles of Classical Conditioning identified by Pavlov?

Answer 7

• Extinction
• Generalisation
• Differentiation

These principles became foundational for American Behaviourists.

Question 8

What was the focus of Watson’s doctoral dissertation?

Answer 8

Associative learning in infant rats

Watson’s work linked learning to cortical development.

Question 9

What did Watson’s Behaviourist Manifesto emphasize?

Answer 9

• Alignment of psychology with natural sciences
• Use of rigorous scientific methods
• Rejection of introspection

This manifesto set the foundation for modern Behaviourism.

Question 10

List three fields where Watson promoted Behaviourist principles.

Answer 10

• Advertising
• Law
• Education

Watson emphasized the application of conditioning in these areas.

Question 11

What emotional responses did Watson & Morgan identify?

Answer 11

• Fear
• Rage
• Love

They linked these emotions to specific stimuli.

Question 12

True or False: Little Albert’s fear response was only to a loud noise.

Answer 12

False

Little Albert may have also responded to Watson himself.

Question 13

What did Watson’s Behaviourism contribute to psychology?

Answer 13

Shift towards psychology as a scientific discipline

Watson’s ideas resonated with the American belief in environmental shaping.

Question 14

What is Logical Positivism?

Answer 14

A proposed solution to include unobservable concepts in scientific theory

It allows for the measurement of abstract concepts through observable events.

Question 15

What is Operationism?

Answer 15

Defining concepts in terms of operations used to measure them

It enhances clarity and replicability in psychological research.

Question 16

Name four prominent figures in Neobehaviourism.

Answer 16

• Guthrie
• Tolman
• Hull
• Skinner

These figures contributed significantly to the development of Neobehaviourism.

Question 17

What is Tolman’s Goal Directed Theory?

Answer 17

Learning is a holistic pattern of behavior towards a goal

Tolman emphasized that learning is not merely stimulus-response.

Question 18

What did Tolman demonstrate with latent learning?

Answer 18

Learning can occur without immediate reinforcement

His studies showed that rats formed cognitive maps of mazes.

Question 19

What is the difference between Type S and Type R conditioning according to Skinner?

Answer 19

• Type S: Classical conditioning
• Type R: Operant conditioning

Type R focuses on the consequences of behavior rather than stimuli.

Question 20

What experiment demonstrated superstitious behavior in pigeons?

Answer 20

Skinner’s Superstitious Pigeons experiment

Pigeons repeated behaviors they engaged in when food was presented.

Question 21

True or False: Behaviourism is no longer influential in psychology.

Answer 21

False

While cognitive psychology has gained favor, Behaviourism still informs research methods.

Question 22

How did Behaviourism influence real-world applications?

Answer 22

In education, therapeutic strategies, and child-rearing

Behaviourist principles are used to shape behaviors in various contexts.

Question 23

What is the relationship between Behaviourism and operational definitions?

Answer 23

Operational definitions clarify the measurement of psychological concepts

This approach enhances understanding and replicability in research.