Behaviourist approach Flashcards
What are the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach?
Only observable behaviour should be studied. Humans and animals learn the same way. Behaviour is learned from the environment via classical and operant conditioning.
Define classical conditioning.
Classical conditioning is learning through association: Before: Neutral Stimulus (NS) → no response. Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS) → Unconditioned Response (UCR). During: NS + UCS paired → UCR. After: NS becomes Conditioned Stimulus (CS) → Conditioned Response (CR).
Outline Pavlov’s procedure.
Measured dogs’ salivation. Paired bell (NS) with food (UCS) repeatedly. Eventually, bell alone (CS) produced salivation (CR).
What were the findings of Pavlov’s research?
Dogs learned to associate the bell with food. Bell alone caused salivation – a learned response.
What is a strength of Pavlov’s research/classical conditioning?
Explains phobia formation via association. Led to effective treatments like systematic desensitisation. Shows clear practical application – adds credibility.
What is a limitation of Pavlov’s research/classical conditioning?
Based on dogs – may not generalise to humans. Human behaviour is more complex (e.g., not all dog bites lead to phobias). Lacks consideration of thoughts and emotions.
What is further support for classical conditioning in humans?
Little Albert: conditioned to fear white rats using loud noise. Shows classical conditioning can apply to human behaviour.
Define operant conditioning and distinguish between types of reinforcement.
Learning through consequences. Positive reinforcement: Add something good → behaviour increases. Negative reinforcement: Remove something bad → behaviour increases. Punishment: Add/remove something unpleasant → behaviour decreases.
Outline Skinner’s procedure.
Used Skinner Box with rats. PR condition: Lever → food pellet. NR condition: Lever → stops loud noise. Punishment condition: Lever → electric shock. Measured lever presses in each condition.
What were the findings of Skinner’s research?
PR and NR increased lever pressing. Punishment decreased lever pressing. Rats learned from consequences.
What is a strength of Skinner’s research/operant conditioning?
Explains phobia maintenance: avoiding fear reinforces behaviour (NR). Led to treatments like flooding, breaking the avoidance cycle.
What is a limitation of Skinner’s research/operant conditioning?
Based on rats – may not generalise to human learning. E.g., students may ignore detentions despite punishment. Ignores cognitive and emotional factors.
What real-world support exists for operant conditioning?
Token economies reinforce desirable behaviour using rewards. Used in schools, prisons, psychiatric units – shows human application.
How has the behaviourist approach contributed to understanding human behaviour?
Suggests we learn via classical and operant conditioning. Focuses on observable, measurable behaviours. Enabled psychology to become more scientific.
What is a strength of the behaviourist approach overall?
Strong support from Pavlov and Skinner. Evidence shows behaviour can be learned via associations and consequences. Led to effective treatments and practical applications.
What is a limitation of the behaviourist approach overall?
Over-relies on animal studies. Ignores human thought, emotion, and motivation. Not all behaviour can be explained by stimulus-response.
What are positive applications of the behaviourist approach?
Led to phobia treatments (e.g. systematic desensitisation, flooding). Developed token economies for behaviour change. Widely applied in real-world settings.
