Attachment

Question 1

What is behaviourism also known as?

Answer 1

Learning Theory.

Question 2

Who started behaviourism in the early 1900s?

Answer 2

John Watson.

Question 3

Why did Watson believe earlier psychological research wasn’t scientific?

Answer 3

Because introspection couldn’t be verified as true or false.

Question 4

What are the three main assumptions of behaviourism?

Answer 4

1. Nearly all behaviour is learnt. 2. Animals and humans learn in the same ways. 3. The ‘mind’ is irrelevant.

Question 5

What is the role of genetics according to behaviourism?

Answer 5

Behaviourism focuses on learning, not genetics, though some genetic causes may exist.

Question 6

How do animals and humans learn according to behaviourism?

Answer 6

Through stimulus-response associations and reinforcement.

Question 7

What is meant by ‘the mind is irrelevant’ in behaviourism?

Answer 7

Behaviourists focus only on observable and measurable behaviour.

Question 8

What are the two types of conditioning proposed by behaviourists?

Answer 8

Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.

Question 9

Who discovered classical conditioning?

Answer 9

Ivan Pavlov.

Question 10

What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in classical conditioning?

Answer 10

A stimulus that naturally triggers a response, e.g., food causing salivation.

Question 11

What is a conditioned response (CR) in classical conditioning?

Answer 11

A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus, e.g., salivation to a bell.

Question 12

What is positive reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Answer 12

Adding something desirable to increase behaviour, e.g., giving a reward.

Question 13

What is negative reinforcement in operant conditioning?

Answer 13

Removing something undesirable to increase behaviour, e.g., stopping a shock.

Question 14

What was the aim of Skinner’s 1938 experiment?

Answer 14

To study how rats learn through operant conditioning.

Question 15

What device did Skinner use in his experiments?

Answer 15

A Skinner box.

Question 16

What was the conclusion of Skinner’s operant conditioning experiment?

Answer 16

Rats learn to press a lever through reinforcement of food rewards.

Question 17

What ethical concerns are associated with Watson and Rayner’s ‘Little Albert’ study?

Answer 17

The study was unethical as it caused distress and couldn’t be repeated today.

Question 18

What did the ‘Little Albert’ study demonstrate?

Answer 18

Fear responses could be conditioned in humans.

Question 19

What are some weaknesses of behaviourism?

Answer 19

Focus on animals makes generalisation difficult; ignores genetics and mental processes.

Question 20

What are some strengths of behaviourism?

Answer 20

Scientific methods, focus on observable behaviour, and practical applications like therapy.

Question 21

What is generalisation in classical conditioning?

Answer 21

A CR is produced in response to stimuli similar to the CS.

Question 22

What is discrimination in classical conditioning?

Answer 22

A CR is not produced in response to stimuli different from the CS.

Question 23

What is extinction in classical conditioning?

Answer 23

A CR is weakened when the CS is repeatedly presented without the UCS.

Question 24

What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Answer 24

The reappearance of a CR after a period without the CS being presented.

Question 25

What is the role of Watson in making psychology more scientific?

Answer 25

Watson came up with assumptions to take a scientific approach to psychology.

Question 26

What is an example of a reflex in behaviourism's assumption that nearly all behaviour is learnt?

Answer 26

Blinking when we get dirt in our eyes.

Question 27

What is an example of an instinct according to behaviourism?

Answer 27

Instinctively running when in danger.

Question 28

What example supports the idea that humans and animals learn in the same ways?

Answer 28

Learning to drive a car is similar to a cat learning to use a cat-flap.

Question 29

How does behaviourism use the assumption 'Nearly all behaviour is learnt' to design research methods?

Answer 29

It uses the principles of learning as its main research goal.

Question 30

What was Pavlov studying when he discovered classical conditioning?

Answer 30

How dogs' salivation helps them digest food.

Question 31

In Pavlov's experiment, what became the conditioned stimulus (CS)?

Answer 31

The sound of the bell.

Question 32

What is higher-order conditioning in classical conditioning?

Answer 32

A new CS is created by associating it with the original CS.

Question 33

How does classical conditioning explain a baby feeling happy when hearing its mother's voice?

Answer 33

The voice is paired with meeting needs, becoming a conditioned stimulus (CS).

Question 34

What is the principle of extinction in classical conditioning?

Answer 34

The CR stops when the CS is presented without the UCS.

Question 35

What is a real-life example of negative reinforcement?

Answer 35

Being told there will be no extra homework if you pass your test.

Question 36

What was the result of Skinner's experiment with rats pressing a lever?

Answer 36

The rats quickly learned to press the lever for food.

Question 37

What type of reinforcement did Skinner use to prevent an electric shock?

Answer 37

Negative reinforcement.

Question 38

What does the 'Little Albert' experiment show about fear?

Answer 38

Fear can be conditioned in humans through association.

Question 39

What is one criticism of behaviourist research on animals?

Answer 39

It overlooks the influence of genes on behaviour.

Question 40

What is one reason behaviourists use animals in research?

Answer 40

They are easy to keep and don't know they are being studied.

Question 41

What is one practical reason researchers have to justify using animals today?

Answer 41

Ethics require assessing whether it's acceptable to use animals in experiments.

Question 42

What is spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

Answer 42

When a previously extinct CR reappears after the CS is presented again.

Question 43

What does the principle of discrimination in classical conditioning refer to?

Answer 43

A CR is not triggered by stimuli that are too different from the CS.