behaviourist approaches- the basic assumptions

Question 1

what are the 6 AO1 points you must know about the basic assumptions of the behaviourist approach?

Answer 1

-Tabula Rasa (Blank Slate)
-Focus on Observable Behaviour
-Environmental Determinism
-Classical Conditioning
-Operant Conditioning
-Scientific Rigor and Laboratory Research

Question 2

What is meant by the ‘tabula rasa’ assumption in behaviourism?

Answer 2

Behaviourists (e.g., Watson) view humans as born a blank slate, with all behaviour learned from the environment through conditioning rather than inherited.

Question 3

Why does behaviourism focus solely on observable behaviour?

Answer 3

To maintain scientific rigor, behaviourism studies only objectively measurable actions, rejecting unobservable internal mental processes as unscientific.

Question 4

What does ‘environmental determinism’ mean in the behaviourist approach?

Answer 4

Behaviourists believe behaviour is fully determined by external stimuli—our responses are shaped by environmental contingencies, not free will.

Question 5

How does classical conditioning explain learning?

Answer 5

It’s learning by association: a neutral stimulus (e.g., bell) is repeatedly paired with an unconditioned stimulus (e.g., food) until the neutral stimulus alone elicits the conditioned response (e.g., salivation).

Question 6

What are the key processes in operant conditioning?

Answer 6

Positive reinforcement: adding a reward increases behaviour

Negative reinforcement: removing an aversive stimulus increases behaviour

Punishment: adding an aversive consequence decreases behaviour
(As demonstrated in Skinner’s work with rats and pigeons.)

Question 7

How did behaviourists establish psychology’s scientific credibility?

Answer 7

They conducted controlled laboratory experiments with standardized procedures and measurable variables, ensuring high control, replicability, and reliable data.