behaviourist approach Flashcards
What is the behaviourist approach?
A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning.
Classical conditioning
Learning by association when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together.
Operant conditioning
A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by consequences including positive and negative reinforcement and punishment.
Pavlov’s dogs (classical conditioning)
Food (UCS) = salivation (UCR)
Bell (NS) = no response
Food (UCS) + Bell (NS) = Salivation (UCR)
Bell (CS) = Salivation (CR)
Timing (CC)
If the NS occurs too long after the UCS then conditioning does not occur.
Extinction (CC)
Unlike the UCR, the CR does not become permanently established as a response. If the CS happens too long in the absence of the UCS it loses its ability to produce the CR.
Spontaneous recovery (CC)
Following extinction, is the CS and UCS are paired together again, the link is formed much more quickly.
Stimulus generalisation (CC)
Once an animal has been conditioned, they will also respond to other stimuli that are similar to the CS.
Skinner’s box (operant conditioning)
Positive reinforcement - Lever pressed = food pellet
Negative reinforcement - Lever pressed = loud noise gone
Punishment - Lever pressed = electric shock
Schedules of reinforcement
Although a continuous reinforcement schedule is most effective, a variable ratio is more effective in maintaining that response and avoiding extinction.
Continuous
Every single response is reinforced
Fixed ratio
A reinforcement is given for a fixed number of responses, however long this takes.
Variable ratio
A reinforcement is given on an average, reward is unpredicatable
Fixed interval
A reinforcement is given at equal intervals E.G, every 30 seconds
Variable interval
A reinforcement is given on an average
Real life application (evaluation - strength)
CC led to the development of treatments for phobias (systematic desenitisation)
OC has led to the development of token economy used to treat schizophrenic patients.
High external validity.
Scientific (evaluation - strength)
Skinner’s research relied on experimental method
Allowed him to establish cause and effect.
Greater academic credibility and status
Use of animals (evaluation - weakness)
Animals used to investigate human behaviour.
If generalisation is wrong, behaviourism lacks validity
Critics claim humans have free will but animals don’t.
Reductionist (evaluation - weakness)
Focusses only on role of learning by one stimulus-response mechanism
Breaks down behaviour into simplest constituent parts
Ignores other factors and a more holistic approach is needed.
