Approaches -behaviourist Overall Evaluation

Question 1

Approaches
Behaviourist approach -summary of key points for essay questions

Answer 1

Suggests behaviour learned from experince -environmentally determined
Belive born blank slates no genetic influence
Suggests only observable behaviour should be studied ,enables generalisation +development of laws n principles
Therefore only lab exps should be used
Belive behaviour learnt through Operant (learning through consequences)
N classical (association) conditioning

Question 2

Approaches overall evaluation
Practical applications

Answer 2

Classical conditioning led to development of systematic desensitisation-eliminating learned anxious response CR that associated with feared objects/situation CS
Therapist replaces maladaptive learned response (anxiety) with more positive response (relaxation) -patient no longer anxious in presence of objects /situation

Operant led to token economy system in institutions-reward appropriate behaviour with tokens exchanged for privileges
Suitable for patients who lack insight/not capable of thinking bout problems
Effectiveness suggests some validity

Question 3

Approaches overall evaluation
Strong Empirical evidence

Answer 3

Behaviourists belive only observable behaviour should be studied so experiments r mains method of investigation .provides researchers with rigorous method for understanding Operant n classical effect on behaviour .based on research so cause n effect relationship likely to be objective n reliable .enhanced scientific status of psychology ,led to scientific progress in discipline

Question 4

Approaches evaluation overall
Over simplistic cus it favours nuture side of nature nuture debate

Answer 4

Belive behaviour learned through classical n Operant therefore ignore wealth of evidence suggesting biological factors also contribute (eg genes,hormones) .one sided view not providing holistic explanation ,ignores any evidence suggesting caused by nature many disagree

Question 5

Approaches overall evaluation determinism side of free will vs determinism debate

Answer 5

Behaviourist belive behaviour product of external influences. As individual cannot control processes they cannot be held responsible for own behaviour .skinner argued free will is merely an illusion n human behaviour caused by influences outside fo human control many disagree, n view humans do have choice in how they behave