behaviourist approach Flashcards
(30 cards)
What is the main focus of the behaviourist approach?
The behaviourist approach focuses on studying behaviour that can be observed and measured.
Does the behaviourist approach investigate mental processes of the mind?
No, it does not investigate mental processes as they are seen as irrelevant.
Who rejected introspection and why?
John B. Watson rejected introspection because it involved vague and difficult-to-measure concepts.
What type of studies do behaviourists rely on?
Behaviourists rely on lab studies.
How do behaviourists view the mind at birth?
They see the mind as a ‘blank slate’ written on by experience.
What are the two important forms of learning in behaviourist research?
Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
Who demonstrated classical conditioning?
Ivan Pavlov.
What is classical conditioning?
Learning through association.
In Pavlov’s experiment, what did dogs learn to associate?
The sound of a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus).
What is a conditioned response?
A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus.
Who is associated with operant conditioning?
B.F. Skinner.
What is operant conditioning?
Learning as an active process where behaviour is shaped by its consequences.
What is positive reinforcement?
Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed.
Give an example of positive reinforcement.
Receiving praise from a teacher for answering a question correctly.
What is negative reinforcement?
When an animal or human avoids something unpleasant.
Give an example of negative reinforcement.
A student handing in homework to avoid being told off.
What is punishment in operant conditioning?
An unpleasant consequence of behaviour, decreasing the likelihood it will be repeated.
Give an example of punishment.
Being shouted at by a teacher for talking during a lesson.
What effect do reinforcement and punishment have on behaviour?
Reinforcement increases the likelihood of repetition; punishment decreases it.
What is the Skinner box?
A device used to study operant conditioning in animals like rats and pigeons.
What is a strength of the behaviourist approach regarding research?
It is based on well-controlled research.
Why do behaviourist experiments have scientific credibility?
Because they focus on observable behaviour in controlled lab settings.
What is a criticism of the behaviourist approach’s simplicity?
It may oversimplify learning by ignoring mental processes.
What other approaches address mental processes?
Social learning theory and cognitive approach.
