Psychology Approaches

Behaviourist Approach A01.

. The behaviourist approach studies observable behaviour other than mental processes.

. Behaviour is explained through learning from the environment

. Behaviourists believed that all behaviour is learned through conditioning.

.They rejected introspection because mental processes cannot be observed objectively.

. Humans and animals learn through the same basic principles, so animal research can help explain human behaviour.

. Classical conditioning is learning through association.

. Pavlov demonstrated classical conditioning using dogs.

. Before conditioning, food was an UCS that naturally produced salivation, an UCR.

. A bell was a NS that did not initially produce salivation

. During conditioning, the bell was repeatedly paired with food

. After conditioning, the bell became the CS that produced salivation, now a CR.

. Operant conditioning is learning through consequences.

. Skinner studied rats in a Skinner box. The rats learned to perform behaviours such as pressing a lever to receive food.

. Positive reinforcement is adding a pleasant consequence to increase behaviour

. Negative reinforcement is removing an unpleasant consequence to increase behaviour

. Punishment is an unpleasant consequence that decreases behaviour

.For example when a rat presses a lever— received food— becomes more likely to press.

.This shows that behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences.

Behaviourist Approach AO3.

Controlled scientific research.

✅ Use of well controlled scientific research. E: Pavlov and Skinner conducted experiments in controlled laboratory settings. For example, Skinner could measure how often a rat pressed a lever and how this changed when food was given. E: this allowed behaviourists to establish a cause- and - effect relationship between reinforcement and behaviour because the EVs could be controlled. Therefore, the behaviourist approach has scientific credibility and supports psychology as a scientific discipline. HOWEVER, the controlled nature of the experiments may oversimplify human behaviour, which is influenced by more complex factors. Therefore the findings may not fully explain real human behaviour.

Behaviourist Approach AO3.

Real- world application

It has useful real world application. E: operant conditioning is used in token economy systems in institutions like prisons. Prisoners receive tokens for desirable behaviour which can be exchanged for rewards. E: The tokens act as a positive reinforcement, increasing the likelihood that the desired behaviour will be repeated. L: This shows that behaviourist principles can be applied to improve behaviour, increasing the practical value of the approach.

Behaviourist Approach AO3.

Environmentally Deterministic

❌ It is environmentally deterministic. E: Skinner suggested that behaviour is the result of our reinforcement history, meaning that the past conditioning experiences determine how we behave. E: For example, a person may choose to behave differently even when their past conditioning would suggest otherwise. L: therefore, the approach may underestimate the influence of internal mental processes.