The Learning Approach

Question 1

What is the learning approach

Answer 1

An umbrella term for a group of theories which emphasise the importance of learning
-behaviourism (operant and classical conditioning) and social learning theory

Question 2

What do behaviourists believe

Answer 2

• psychology should be seen as a science
• theories need to be supported by evidence through objective and controlled observation
• psychologists should only study observable behaviour
• people have no free will and environment determines behaviour
• when born we are a blank slate (tabula rasa)
• little difference in learning in humans and animals

Question 3

Behaviourist approach- classical conditioning

Answer 3

Leaning via association when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together (ucs and ns)
The neutral stimuli eventually produces the same response as the unconditioned stimulus

Question 4

Classical conditioning - Pavlov

Answer 4

Before conditioning
Food (UCS) —> salivation (UCR)

Before conditioning
Bell (NS) —> no salvation -no CR

During conditioning
Bell + food —> salivation(UCR)

After conditioning
Bell (CS) —> salivation (CR)

Question 5

What did Pavlov’s dogs learn

Answer 5

To associate the sound of a bell with food and salivate even without food and just a bell
-a neutral stimulus can elicit/produce a new learned/conditioned response

Question 6

Other features

Answer 6

Extinction- after a few presentations of the CS (bell) without the UCS (food) it looses its ability to produce the CR (salivation)

Stimulus generalisations- Pavlov also discovered that one can animal has been conditioned they will respond to stimuli that are similar to the CS

Question 7

Evaluation of classical conditioning - supporting studies

Answer 7

Watson and Rayner- little Albert had originally no fear of various stimuli (rat , rabbit etc) though was startled by a loud hammer noise

The white rat was presented and then the noise which was repeated
Through classical conditioning he learned to fear the rat without the noise

Illustrates how phobias can form through classical conditioning

Question 8

Evaluation of classical conditioning

Answer 8

:) - practical application- lead to treatment of anxiety associated with phobias SD - replace anxiety with relaxation

:( - different species face different challenges to survive so have different capabilities to learn through CC
Seligman- animals are prepared to learn association for survival
CC is not always easily implemented

Question 9

Behaviourist approach- operant conditioning

Answer 9

Skinner believed that the best way to understand behaviour is it’s consequences- can influence whether a behaviour is more/less likely to be repeated

Question 10

Reinforcement

Answer 10

Something in the environment that strengthens a particular behaviour
- more likely to occur

Question 11

Positive reinforcement

Answer 11

Increases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated

- produces a consequence that is pleasant eg praise

Question 12

Negative reinforcement

Answer 12

Increases likelihood a behaviour will be repeated

Removing something unpleasant eg hitting the off button on an alarm to remove the unpleasant noise

Question 13

Punishment

Answer 13

Decreases likelihood of a behaviour being repeated
Unpleasant consequence of behaviour
Eg a detention

Question 14

Skinners research

Answer 14

Rats and pigeons
Put on a skinners box
Positive reinforcement -Associated pressing a lever with getting rewarded
Negative reinforcement-Pressed a lever to avoid electric shock
Getting an electric shock- punishment

Question 15

Operant conditioning evaluation

Answer 15

:) - empirical support with Skinner’s research using an experimental method
Skinners box to manipulate the consequences of behaviour (IV)
Effect on rats/pigeons behaviour (DV)
Establish cause and effect between the consequences of behaviour and the likelihood of it being repeated

:) real life application of token economy programs in prisons and psychiatric wards tokens (primary reinforcers) and privileges (secondary reinforcers)

Question 16

Social learning theory- Bandura

Answer 16

• agreed with behaviourists that we learn directly from experiences through cc and oc
• we can also learn indirectly by observing and imitating others
• especially if there is indirect reinforcement (vicarious reinforcement)

Question 17

Modelling

Answer 17

Live models - parents/ siblings

Symbolic models - someone in the media -celebrities

Question 18

Identification

Answer 18

Extent an individual relates to a model and feels they are similar
-children more likely particularly same sex models

Question 19

Vicarious reinforcement

Answer 19

Observing consequences of a models actions (reward/punishment) more likely if you see it rewarded and less likely if you see it punished

Question 20

The role of meditational processes

Answer 20

Don’t automatically see a behaviour of a model and imitate ur there is sine cognition involved before this

Question 21

Meditational processes -Bandura

Answer 21

Attention -notice 
Retention - remember 
LEARNING 
Motor reproduction - possible 
Motivation - want to imitate
PERFORMANCE

Question 22

Bandura

Answer 22

• aggression toward doll in lab by adults
• adult praised
• imitated by child

Bandura and Walters
Videos of aggression
Praise
Imitated by children

Not representative of real life

Question 23

SLT evaluation

Answer 23

Bandura’s research

:( overlooks alternative explanations
Bandura’s research- boys consistently more aggressive than girls so could be other factors such as testosterone