Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

The Learning Approach: Behaviourism

Answer 1

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning. Identify two important forms of learning: classical and operant conditioning.

Question 2

Assumptions

Answer 2

Only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured. Not concerned with mental processes. Tried to maintain more control and objectivity and relied on lab experiments. Animals could replace humans as experimental subjects.

Question 3

Classical Conditioning

Answer 3

Pavlov’s Research. Learning by association. Before Conditioning: UCS=UCR, NS=NR. During Conditioning: UCS+NS=UCR. After Conditioning: CS=CR.

Question 4

Timing

Answer 4

If neutral stimulus is presented after unconditioned stimulus, or is presented before but there is a big time gap between the two, conditioning does not take place.

Question 5

Extinction

Answer 5

A conditioned response is not permanent. If the conditioned stimulus is presented enough times without the unconditioned stimulus, it loses it’s ability to produce a conditioned response.

Question 6

Spontaneous Recovery

Answer 6

Following extinction, if the conditioned stimulus and unconditioned stimulus are paired together again the association between them is made much quicker.

Question 7

Generalisation

Answer 7

A conditioned response is produced to stimuli similar to the conditioned stimulus.

Question 8

Watson & Rayner

Answer 8

Evidence to support learning via classical conditioning. Little Albert develops a phobia of white rats. Strength for behaviourism.

Question 9

Operant Conditioning

Answer 9

Skinner’s Research. A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include positive or negative reinforcement and positive or negative punishment.

Question 10

Reinforcement

Answer 10

A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. Can be positive or negative.

Question 11

Punishment

Answer 11

An unpleasant consequence of behaviour. Positive = this punishment is added to the situation. Negative = this punishment is caused by taking away something pleasant.

Question 12

Pavlov’s Research

Answer 12

Classical conditioning is learning through association. Revealed that dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell because they associated it with the arrival of food.

Question 13

BF Skinner’s Research (1953)

Answer 13

Positive Reinforcement: receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed. Negative reinforcement: occurs when an animal avoids something unpleasant. Punishment: unpleasant consequence of behaviour. Skinner conducted tests on rats using skinner boxes.

Question 14

Stimulus

Answer 14

Anything, external or internal, that brings about a response.

Question 15

Response

Answer 15

Any reaction in the presence of the stimulus.