The Behaviourist Approach

What is a strength of the Behaviourist approach? P1

a s o t b a i t i u s m

a strength of the behaviourist approach is that it uses scientific methods.

Explain the point P1

t b a i t c o p a a s b i e t i o e a o

i t c o p b i e t i o e a o

increased the credibility of psychology because it emphasises the importance of empiricism and objectivity.

Expand P1

U l s, f e b p a s h h l o c w m h b

Uses lab studies, For example both P and S had high levels of control when measuring human behaviour

Link P1

high reliability so it is favoured as a scientific approach

Counter P1

artificial nature of laboratory studies = lack of ecological validity as they don’t represent the real world

What is a limitation?

uses animals as research participants

Explain P2

P and S both use animals in research = instant findings aren’t generalised

Expand P2

Behaviourists assume species develop behaviours from learning rats and dogs dont have complex human behaviours

Link P2

both theories lack population validity

Expand pt2 P2

Furthermore animals cant give consent to participate

Point P3

Real life applications

Explain P3

principles of operant conditioning have been successfully used as a treatment for phobias, offering an explanation as to hours they are acquired and maintained

Expand P3

counter conditioning has successfully reverse negative associations with fear stimuli to cure phobias

Link P3

therefore this is a strength as it suggests some aspects of the ba have high eco validity

Counter P3

ba is deterministic - assumes all behaviours are learnt from environment and ignores other factors