Behaviourism Flashcards
(18 cards)
What is the behaviourist approach?
1) Behaviour is learned from experience (we are born black slates)
2) Only observable behaviour is measurable. scientifically
What is Classical conditioning?
Learning by association.
Learning occurs when an association is made between a previously neural stimulus and reflex response.
Outline Pavlov’s research
Aim: to see if dogs can be classically conditioned to salivate at the sound of a bell
Method: The dogs were repeatedly presented with food (unconditioned stimulus) which resulted in salivation (unconditioned response). The food was repeatedly paired with the bell (neutral stimulus) so the two became associated.
Results: So, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus able to produce a conditioned response (salivation).
What are the evaluation points in Pavlov’s research?
(+) Experimental method
(-) Non-human animals
(-) Unethical
Explain why using the experimental method is a strength? - Pavlov
-Pavlov used controlled conditions (dogs harnessed in the lab) to discover possible casual relationships between the IV (manipulating the unconditioned and neutral stimulus) and the DV (amount the dog salivated)
-this is a strength as he can establish cause and effect between the stimulus and response.
Explain why using non-human animals is a limitation? - Pavlov
-Using dogs to test the effects of classical conditioning cannot reveal a great deal about human behaviour. Unlike animals, humans have free will, so behaviour is not purely determined by the association between stimulus and response.
-Pavlov’s conclusions might not provide a valid explanation of all human behaviour since we cannot generalise findings from animal studies to humans.
Why is Pavlov’s research considered unethical?
-Before carrying out his experiment, Pavlov performed surgery on the dogs saliva glands so that salivation was easy to measure.
-And during the experiment the dogs were strapped in harnesses so they were kept in the same place for many hours at a time.
-Although the BPS ethical guidelines do not apply to animals, some argue that animals have rights and should never be used in such experiments.
-But, some believe that Pavlov’s research has provided insight into the role of classical conditioning so it’s acceptable.
What is Operant conditioning?
A type of learning where behaviour is acquired and maintained based on its
consequences.
Reinforcement increases the likelihood of the observed behaviour being repeated, whilst punishment (an unpleasant consequence of behaviour) decreases this likelihood.
What are the THREE types of reinforcement?
Positive: receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed.
Negative: receiving a reward by avoiding something unpleasant
Punishment: an unpleasant consequence of behaviour.
Outline Skinners research
Aim: to see if rats could be conditioned through positive and negative reinforcement.
Method: Hungry rats were placed in a box that contained a lever that when knocked would produce a food pellet. The rats learned to go straight to the lever (learned behaviour) showing they’d been positive reinforced.
Negative reinforcement was shown
when the rat learnt to press down on the lever to avoid the unpleasant consequence of an electric shock
What are the evaluation points of Skinner’s research?
(+) Experimental method
(-) Non-human animals
(-) Unethical
Explain why using the experimental method is a strength? - Skinner
-Skinner used controlled conditions (the Skinner box) to discover possible casual relationships between the IV (manipulating the consequences of behaviour) and the DV (effect on the rats behaviour)
-this is a strength as he can establish cause and effect between the stimulus and response.
Explain why using non-human animals is a limitation? - Skinner
-Critics claim that Skinners reliance on rats means that his studies reveal little about human behaviour. Unlike animals, humans have free will and our behaviour isn’t determined by positive and negative reinforcement
-Skinner’s conclusions might not provide a valid explanation of all human behaviour since we cannot generalise findings from animal studies to humans.
What are the evaluation points of the Behaviourist approach?
(+) Successful treatments for phobias and patients in institutions.
(+) Scientific method
(-) Over-simplistic, favours NURTURE in the nature vs nurture debate.
(-) Favours DETERMINISM in the freewill vs determinism debate
How has the behaviourist approach led to successful treatments?
Classical conditioning: led to development of systematic desensitization to eliminate learned anxious response.
Operant conditioning: led to the use of a token economy system within institutions to reward appropriate behaviour, with tokens that are exchanged for privileges.
-These treatments have been found to be effective for a range of conditions.
Why is using the scientific method a strength in the behaviourist approach?
-Behaviourist psychologists believe that only observable behaviour should be studied so they use experiments as their main method of investigation.
-The approach is based on research that established cause and effect and is likely objective and reliable.
Why is the behavioural approach over simplistic?
-Behavioural psychologists believe that behaviour is learned through classical and operant conditioning so they ignore the wealth of evidence that suggests that biological factors also contribute.
-It takes a one-sided view of human behaviour and does not provide a holistic explanation.
Why does the behavioural approach support the determinism side?
-Behavioural psychologists claim that human behaviour is the product of external influences. So the individual cannot be held responsible for their own behaviour.
-Many psychologists believe that humans have the freewill to choose how to behave.
