Behaviourist

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Using conditioning techniques = highly controversial: manipulating beh

Generation of robots

Benefits to children, parents, peers and society as a whole

Question 2

FOR:

Effectiveness of conditioning

Answer 2

Lovitt: Helpful for children with disabilities who can’t follow traditional behaviour systems, sets clear goals

*Helps these children better settle into normal society making school easier

Can be used to overcome phobias

Social imp: Long term impact?

Question 3

AGAINST:

Effectiveness of conditioning

Answer 3

Morris: Long term emotional effects, can’t reflect on behaviour -> negative effect on development

Possibly creates lazier children if expecting rewards, opposes point of conditioning in first place

*Creates lazy workers, doesn’t benefit society

Question 4

FOR:

Conditioning at school

Answer 4

McAllister - Class with reward/ punishment = Less inappropriate talking, opposite for control

*Better education positive multiplier effect

Increased focus & conc -> high attainment

Benefits society

Classical conditioning: improve performance -> maximise pleasant stimuli in classrooms -> more positive feelings to work env -> beh & performance will improve

Question 5

AGAINST:

Conditioning at school

Answer 5

Psychology Today Article - Reward makes children lazy, may only do schoolwork if given reward

Schools believe reward & punishment = harmful to development & interfere with internal drives

Lepper: Nursery children= draw, promised reward spent half as much time drawing, motivation destroyed by expectation of extrinsic rewards

Social imp: Japanese school do NOT use reward/praise, children are intrinsically motivated

Question 6

FOR:

Conditioning at home

Answer 6

University of Michigan - ‘Time Out’ punishment has long lasting emotional effects - not same ability to reflect on own behaviour and verbalise feelings

Less empathy

*More ethical than physical punishment = may teach violence

Question 7

AGAINST:

Conditioning at home

Answer 7

Morris - Time Out only effective if parents consistent, may cause confusion about what can and can’t do

*Psychological harm if children being confused, unethical?

Question 8

Conclusion

Answer 8

Conditioning is the basis of learning

Effective to allow vulnerable children to function in society

Burnt ethical to manipulate children’s behaviour using incentives