Behaviourist Approach AO3

Question 1

✅ How does the behaviourist approach give psychology scientific credibility?

Answer 1

The behaviourist approach emphasizes observable and measurable behaviour, adopting the language and methods of the natural sciences. It uses controlled laboratory experiments (e.g., Skinner’s box), which ensure objectivity and replicability. This scientific approach has solidified psychology’s status as a scientific discipline.

Question 2

✅ How does the behaviourist approach apply to real-world settings?

Answer 2

The behaviourist approach has led to practical applications such as token economy systems, which have been used in prisons to modify behaviour. Through operant conditioning, desirable behaviours are rewarded, making this approach useful for individuals who may lack insight into their condition. This highlights its practical benefits.

Question 3

❌ Why is the behaviourist approach considered deterministic?

Answer 3

The behaviourist approach is environmentally deterministic, suggesting that all behaviour is a result of past conditioning. This view denies the role of free will, implying that individuals are not responsible for their actions because they are simply responding to external stimuli.

Question 4

❌ Why is the behaviourist approach limited in explaining human behaviour?

Answer 4

The behaviourist approach cannot easily explain spontaneous behaviours in humans because they are not a direct response to conditioning. For example, creative thinking or problem-solving involves cognitive processes that go beyond simple stimulus-response patterns.