Behaviorist Approach

Scientific strength of Behaviourist Approach

• focusses on measurable and observable behaviour

• can be tested in controlled conditions

• e.g Pavlov and Skinner are both highly controlled and learning was clear to observe and measure

• research support empirical evidence

Practical Application strength of Behaviourist Approach

• systematic desensitisation uses classical conditioning to unlearn phobias

• extremely successful therapy for a range of phobias

• McGrath et al 75% phobia patients showed improvement in symptoms

• useful approach in developing treatments that are effective in addressing mental health issues

Determinist criticism of Behaviourist Approach

• caused by factors outside of control (environmental determinism)

• doesn’t explain why responses differ to environment

• e.g. both experience trauma (stimulus) but one develops phobia (response)

• ignores free will/ability to control our own behaviour

Reductionist criticism of Behaviourist Approach

• reduces human behaviour down to specific variables

• e.g. environmental (external) factors

• ignores biological (internal) factors

• e.g. twin studies found genes may have role in aspects of behaviour (mental illness)

• oversimplifies complex behaviours which require holistic approach

Core Belief of Behaviourist Approach

All behaviour is learnt from the environment

What processes are involved in the Behaviourist Approach

• classical conditioning (stimulus response)

• operant conditioning (reward and reinforcement)

What research supports Classical Conditioning

Pavlov’s dogs

What’s a Reinforcer

The consequence of the performed behaviour e.g. praise is a positive reinforcer

What research supports Operant Conditioning

Skinner’s Box