Approaches / Behavioural Approach

Assumption of the theory

All behaviours are learned from our environment. Animals and humans learn in the same ways.

A focus is placed on…

Observable behaviours

Classical Conditioning

A theory that was first demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov. Learning through association.

Unconditioned Stimulus

The stimulus that initially causes the unconditioned response.

Unconditioned Response

The initial response to the unconditioned stimulus which the researcher wants to replicate.

Neutral Stimulus

The stimulus that is paired with the unconditioned stimulus to eventually lead to an association between them

Conditioned Stimulus

What was initially the neutral stimulus, which has been associated with the unconditioned stimulus.

Conditioned Response

When the unconditioned response is exerted from the conditioned stimulus.

Operant Conditioning

A theory that was first demonstrated by Skinner. Learning through consequences.

Positive Reinforcement

Rewarding a behaviour by introducing a pleasant stimulus. Makes a behaviour more likely to be repeated.

Negative Reinforcement

Rewarding a behaviour by removing an unpleasant stimulus. Makes a behaviour more likely to be repeated.

Punishment

Recieving an unpleasant consequence for a behaviour. Makes a behaviour less likely to be repeated.