behaviourist approach

Outline the behaviourist approach

There are two conditioning types: classical and operant.

Classical: We learn by association: pairing two stimuli to get a response. This is called classical conditioning, which has 3 stages: before, during and after.

Operant: we learn through trial and error by having a negative or a positive reinforcement.

What happens in each of the stages of classical conditioning

Before: UCR shown, gives UCR. NS shown, gives no response.

During: NS paired with UCR, gives a CS.

After: CS gives a CR when shown.

Outline JB Watson’s “little Albert” study.

-baby shown rat (no reaction)

-loud bang( cries)

-shown rat + loud bang (cries)

-shown rat (cries)

Define extinction

The CR will fade if CS is not paired with the US often.

Define spontaneous recovery

The CR can return if the US is paired with the CS

Define generalisation

We respond to stimuli similar to the CS in the same way.

State two strengths of the classical conditioning theory

-it has real life application: it is used to develop therapies for things like phobias and addiction as the theory implied if you can learn something, you can also unlearn something, this is called systematic desensitisation.

-little Albert study is a lab experiment, which is controlled environment ,therefore is is replicable and then credible.

State two weaknesses of the classical conditioning theory.

-ignored our free will to be able to choose to respond to the stimuli differently

-disregards biological behaviour and assumes we are tabula rasa (a blank slate), and can evolve with ease.

Define negative reinforcement.

Learning a desired behaviour to avoid punishment

Define positive reinforcement

Learning a desirable behaviour in order to have a rew

What was skinners box?

Skinner caged a rat with a lever which delivered food pellets once pushed and an electric plate on the floor to shock the rat. The rat learned through trial and error that he must press the lever in order to avoid being shocked.

What are the strengths of the operant theory?

-real life application in token economy and school systems

-can be evidence backed with research from skinners box, which was well controlled and has credibility due to being a lab experiment

What are the weaknesses of the operant conditioning theory?

-ignores our free will, assuming that we are tabula rasa (a blank slate)

-unethical by controlling human behaviour with consequences and rewards