P2 Approaches: Behaviourist Approach

Question 1

What are the key assumptions of the behaviourist approach

Answer 1

1. We are born on a blank slate - a tabula rasa
2. Extreme nature end of nature-nurture debate
3. Focus on observable behaviour which can be objectively measured

Question 2

What are the 2 ways of learning

Answer 2

Classical and operant conditioning

Question 3

What is classical conditioning

Answer 3

Learning through association. Learning happened when a neutral stimulus (NS) is consistently paired with an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) so that eventually the NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS) producing the response caused by the UCS

Question 4

Describe Pavlov’s dog experiment

Answer 4

Before conditioning: neutral stimulus (NS) caused no response from dog (NR)

Unconditioned stimulus: food caused salivation (UCR)

During conditioning l: UCS (food) + NS (bell) = UCR (salivation)

After conditioning: CS (bell) = CR (salivation)

Question 5

What is operant conditioning

Answer 5

Learning by trial and error. (Voluntary response & consequence

Question 6

What is positive reinforcement

Answer 6

Receiving an award when a certain behaviour is performed

Question 7

What is negative reinforcement

Answer 7

The removal of an adverse stimulus which is rewarding to the animal or person

Question 8

What is a punishment

Answer 8

Unpleasant consequence of behaviour

Question 9

How did skinner demonstrate operant conditioning

Answer 9

Demonstrated this in rats who learnt from trial and error that pulling on a leave would release a food pellet. The leaver pulling behaviour became more frequent and deliberate over time (positive reinforcement). The rats also learnt to press the leaver to stop the floor of the cafe being electrocuted (negative reinforcement)

Question 10

What are the advantages of the behaviourist approach

Answer 10

• it’s very scientific and usually uses controlled experimental methods - high scientific credibility
• it has been applied to real world behaviours e.g. token economy systems

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of the behaviourist approach

Answer 11

• reductionist as it ignores the influences of nature and cognition on behaviour
• environmentally deterministic. Behaviour result from leaving from the environment, not free will

Question 12

What is continuous reinforcement

Answer 12

The desired behaviour is reinforced every single time it occurs, may result in a stronger response

Question 13

What is Partial reinforcement

Answer 13

The response is reinforced only part of the time. Weaker effect.