The Behaviourist Approach

Behaviourist (behavioural) approach

A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning

Classical Conditioning

* Learning by association
* Two stimuli are repeatedly paired together - an unconditioned stimulus and a new neutral stimulus.
* Neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that was first produced by the unconditioned stimulus alone.

Operant Conditioning

* Behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.
* Possible consequences of behaviour include reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment.

Reinforcement

A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated (positive or negative)

Behaviourist Assumptions

* Tried to maintain control and objectivity within research and relied on lab studies as the best way to achieve this
* They believe that all behaviour is learned and describe a baby’s mind as a ‘blank slate’ which is written on by experience.

Strength - Control

* Based on well-controlled research. Focused on measurement of observable behaviour within lab settings
* Decreases chance of confounding variables and allows psychologists to establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
* This could simplify psychology down too much.

Strength - Application

* Operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems that have been used in psychiatric wards


* Classical conditioning has been applied to the treatment of phobias.

Limitation - Determinism

* Behaviourists see all behaviour as conditioned by past experiences and so there is no free will.


* This is an extreme position and ignores the influence of conscious decision-making.