Learning approach - Evaluation of OC, CC and SLT

Give some strengths of CC.

- The theory is based on scientific lab experiments e.g. Watson and Rayner, Pavlov which are credible and replicable studies.

- Real-life applications e.g. it has helped us to develop theories such as the acquisition and treatment of phobias, treatments for addiction e.g. aversion therapy

Give some weaknesses of CC.

- A lot of initial research is based on animal studies e.g. Pavlov's dogs. Difficult to generalise to humans because humans have free will and choice, a lot of our behaviours have cognitive elements to them.

- The theory is Deterministic; this implies that a person has no control over what they learn. It also can't explain why we learn spontaneously

- Cannot explain learning that takes place in the absence of a naturally occurring behaviour e.g. salivation, fear

Give some strengths of OC.

- Scientific lab experiments e.g. Skinner> Credible, Replicable (same as CC)

- Real-life applications e.g. Maintenance of eating disorders (people commenting on weight loss); Schools/merit systems - particularly in schools for learning difficulties - autism); Prisons - Token Economy Systems.

- It is less deterministic than CC as there is an element of free will.

Give some weaknesses of OC.

- Animal studies e.g. Skinner's pigeons; related to this is the criticism that TEPS treat people like performing animals. This highlights an ethical debate. TEP's were banned in some states in USA as prison guards were denying people basic human rights.

- Reductionist- complex behaviours are learnt

Give some strengths of SLT.

- Scientific lab experiments e.g. Bandura's 1961, 63 and 65 studies

- Real-life applications e.g. Crime

- Eating disorders (Becker)

- Impact of the media

- Allows for an element of thought processes that the others do not account for (more complete explanation of learning). OC and CC very reductionist, SLT is more holistic.

Give some weaknesses of SLT.

- Reductionist- ignores biological factors that can contribute to behaviours e.g. brain damage and aggression

- It cannot explain how we learn novel behaviours in the absence of a role model

- We are all exposed to role models but we don't copy (e.g. in the media and video games)