Learning Approaches

AO1 + AO3

What are the assumptions of behaviourism?

• all humans are born as a tabula rosa (blank slate)

• all human behaviour is learnt through experiences by methods like classical + operant conditioning

• it is valid to study animals as they share the same principles of learning so conclusions can be extrapolated

• only observable behaviour can be studied scientifically

Describe Skinner’s research

• aim to investigate operant conditioning in rats

• placed rats in ‘skinners box’

• in positive reinforcement rat would move around the box and accidently knock the lever dropping a food pellet - rat continued pressing lever for positive consequence as behaviour had be reinforced

• in negative reinforcement the rat was in box with electric current and rat would accidently knock the lever which switched the current off - quickly learned to go straight to lever as a way of escaping consequenc e

Evaluate research for behaviourism

• strength is that its scientific

• it uses empirical methods for research which involve controlled conditions

• allowed pavlov to accurately measure effects of stimuli on the dogs behaviour similarly skinner manipulated consequences of behaviour like giving food pellets on the rats behaviour like pressing a lever

• increases internal validity of research adding support for the theory

Evaluate use of animal research for behaviourism

• weakness is that it uses animals for research

• has been criticised for using animals such as Pavlov's and Skinner as its problematic because it tells us little about human behaviour

• it assumes that human behaviour is as simple as stimulus-response whereas it involves complex cognitive processes ad emotions

• reduces support for the theory

Evaluate the issues about behaviourism

• weakness is that it's hard determinist

• suggests that all behaviour is caused due to environment and experiences

• Skinner suggestes that free will is an illusion - we don't have control over our behaviour

• lack of consideration of freewill reduces ability to explain behaviour

Describe the assumptions for the SLT

• proposes that behaviour is learned from observing role models

• RMs can be parents, friends, teachersc characters etc

• RMs provide examples of behaviour for children to imitate

• children pay more attention if they identify with RM e.g gender + more likely to imitate + continue imitating if consequences are rewarding

Describe the Cognitive Mediational Processes

• Attention - learning only takes place if behaviour is paid attention to

• Retention - learning only takes place if behaviour is stored in memory

• Motor Reproduction - asses their own ability to perform the task

• Motivational Processes - motivation needed to replicate behaviour throught vicarious reinforcement

Describe Bandura et al Bobo Doll Study

• to find if children show more aggressive characteristics if they observe an aggressive role model

• 72 children in 3 groups observing RM either being agressive or calm with the doll or no RM

• children than to a room and left to play with bobo doll and agressive condition children were more agressive with the doll as they imitated RM

• concluded that behaviour is learned by observation and imitation and children more likely to imitate same sex model as they identify with them more

Evaluate research for SLT

• Strength is that it has supporting research

• Bandura's findings about how children observing aggressive RM were more aggressive with the doll compared to ones who observed non-aggressive RM

• Children more aggressive if they were same gender with RM and saw RM being rewarded - vicarious reinforcement

• Demonstrates importance of observing role models in learning of behaviour + vicarious reinforcement in liklihood of imitation of behaviour

Evaluate the issue with SLT

• weakness is that it makes little reference to impact of biological factors in learning

• SLT supports role of nurture but underestimates role of nature which suggests that behaviour is innately determined

• In Bandura study boys were more aggressive than girls no matter the gender of RM - argues that differences can be best explained through biological factors as boys have more testosterone making them more aggressive?

• SLT has its limitations as it cannot fully explain all human behaviour

Evaluate issues with SLT (reductionist)

• Strength is that it provides a more comprehensive explanation of human learning by recognising role of mediational processes

• Advantages approach over behaviourism theories like CC + OC as it recognises that ppl are active in processing and interpretation of observed behaviour as not everyone imitate the behaviours displayed by their role models

• its better than behaviourist theory as it assumes that ppl assert some level of control over their behaviour

Briefly evaluate Bandura’s research (2 PEELs)

• lab experiment = highly controlled = control over extraneous variables = easier to establish cause + effect also easily replicable due to standardised procedures = higher reliability

• lab experiment = low ecological validity

• no interaction between adult + child = unlike real life modelling

• study is only a snap shot so doesn’t show the long term effects of single exposure to behaviour