behaviourist approach

what is the behaviourist approach

explains behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning, rejects introspection as it involves concepts that are too difficult to measure

pavlovs study (1927)

showed how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell if sound was repeatedly presented at the same time they were given food

classical conditioning (pavlov)

learning by association, occurs when 2 stimuli are repeatedly paired together - unconditional and neutral stimulus, NS eventually produces same response as initial response from UCS alone

operant conditioning (skinner 1953)

learning by consequence through positive and negative reinforcement, and punishment

positive reinforcement

being rewarded for certain behaviour e.g. merits, increase the likelihood of the behaviour repeating

negative reinforcement

avoiding something unpleasant, outcome is a positive experience e.g. getting less chores, increase the likelihood of the behaviour repeating

punishment

unpleasant consequence of behaviour, decreases the likelihood of the behaviour repeating

pros of behaviourism

based on well-controlled research so extraneous variables removed and cause and effect relationship established, principles of conditioning have been applied to real world behaviours and problems e.g. operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems that have been used in institutions

cons of behaviourism

oversimplifies learning process, ignores important influence of human thought, sees all behaviour as a result of past conditioning experiences which ignores any possible influence of free will , ethical issues involving supporting research