AO1 The behaviourist approach, including classical conditioning and Pavlov's research, operant conditioning, types of reinforcement and Skinner's research

Behaviourist approach

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

The behaviourist approach is only interested in studying behaviour

That can be observed and measured

Not concerned with

Investigating mental process

Behaviourists suggested that basic processes that govern learning are

The same in all species, meaning animals could replace humans as experimental subjects.

Classical conditioning

Learning through association

Before conditioning in Pavlov’s study

Food was a unconditioned stimulus which would cause the unconditioned response of salivation. And the bell was a neutral stimulus which caused no conditioned response of no salivation

During conditioning in Pavlov’s study

The bell and food together caused the unconditioned response of salivation

After conditioning in Pavlov’s study

The bell became a conditioned stimulus and caused the conditioned response of salivation

Operant conditioning

The idea that learning is an active process and behaviour is shaped by consequences

Positive reinforcement

Receiving a reward when a certain behaviour is performed which increases the likelihood that the behaviour will be repeated.

Negative reinforcement

When an unpleasant behaviour is successfully avoided which also increases the likelihood the behaviour is repeated.

Punishment

An unpleasant consequence of behaviour which decreases the likelihood of behaviour being repeated.

Skinner box method

Hungry rats were place in a Skinner box, which contains a lever in the side that would release a food pellet if knocked.

Skinner box findings

The rats quickly learned to go to straight to the lever after a few times of being put in the box. This shows positive reinforcement as they repeated the action again and again to get food.