Learning Approaches- Behaviourism

what type of behaviour does the behaviourist approach study

behaviour that can be observed and measured

not interested in investigating mental processes of the mind

assumptions of the behaviourist approach

1. We are all born as a blank slate (tabula rasa).

2. All behaviour is learnt.

3. We are a product of our environment (nurture).

4. All behaviour can be explained through classical and operant conditioning.

5. Behaviour should be investigated using scientific experiments.

6. We can learn about human behaviour by investigating animal behaviours

strength of the behaviourist approach: scientific credibility

- based on well controlled and objective research

- highly controlled lab experiments emphasised the study of observable behaviours

- reducing behaviour to basic stimulus-response units and eliminating extraneous variables researchers can establish clear cause-and-effect relationships

- high level of control combined with focus on observable data results in strong scientific credibility

strength of the behaviourist approach: real-world application

- principles have been successfully applied to real-world behaviours and practical settings

- e.g. operant conditioning underpins token economy systems in prisons

- e.g. classical conditioning applied to treatment of phobias

- demonstrates the usefulness of the behaviourist approach, increasing its value and relevance beyond theoretical research

weakness of the behaviourist approach: oversimplifies complex human behaviours

- oversimplify learning process by ignoring the role of mental processes

- reduces behaviour to basic stimulus-response associations, it overlooks important cognitive factors involved in learning

- SLT and the cognitive approach highlight the influence of internal memory processes like attention and memory

- suggesting learning is more complex than observable behaviour alone, private mental processes play a crucial role in understanding how learning occurs

weakness of the behaviourist approach: too deterministic

- according to skinner all behaviour is shaped entirely by past behaviour

- suggests our actions aren't due to conscious choice but are the result of our reinforcement history

- restrictive explanation of human behaviour due to the ignorance of the potential influence of free will