C4 - Learning approaches: The behaviourist approach

Question 1

Key features

Answer 1

• Focus on observable behaviour only, reject introspection
• Controlled lab studies
• Use of non-human animals, processess that govern learning same in all speices

Question 2

Pavlov’s research in classical conditioning

Answer 2

• Learning by association
• UCS (food) causes UCR (salivation)
• NS (bell) causes no response
• NS (bell) + UCS (food) at same time
• CS (bell) causes CR (salivation)

Question 3

Skinner’s research in operant conditioning

Answer 3

• Learning is active process whereby humans & animals operate on their environment
• Behaviour shaped by consequences
• When rat activated lever, rewared with food
• Desirable consequence led to repeating behaviour
• If pressing lever meant avoiding electric shock, behaviour also repeated

Question 4

3 types of consequences of behaviour

Answer 4

Positive reinforcement - recieve award after behaviour
Negative reinforcement - avoid something unpleasant after behaviour
Punishment - unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 5

Evaluations of the behavourist approach (SSL)

Answer 5

S - Uses well-controlled research
S - Behaviourist laws of learning have real-world application
L - A form of environmental determinism

Question 6

Evaluations of the behavourist approach - Uses well-controlled research (S)

Answer 6

• Measurement of observable behaviour within controlled lab
• Broken behaviour down into stimulus-response units & studied causal relationships
• Experiments have scientific credibility

Question 7

Evaluations of the behavourist approach - Behaviourist laws of learning have real-world application (S)

Answer 7

• Principles applied to real-world problems
• Token economy systems in prisons reward behaviour with tokens to exchange for priveleges (operant)
• Increases value of approach as it has widespread application

Question 8

Evaluations of the behavourist approach - A form of environmental determinism (L)

Answer 8

• All behaviour determined by conditioned past experiences, ignores influence of free will on behaviour
• Skinner said free will was an illusion, only past conditioning determines outcome
• Extreme position & ignores influence of conscious decision-making processes on behaviour