Research In Approaches

In terms of A - Aim, P - Procedure, F - Findings, C - Conclusion

Describe Pavlov’s research (aim and procedure)

Aim: To see if associating a reflex with a neutral stimulus will cause learning to take place (conditioned reflex)

Procedure:

• Sample of 35 dogs with variety of breeds, raised in kennels, in lab

• Dog placed in sealed room —> prevent other stimuli from making dog salivate

• Mouth linked to tube —> drained saliva into measuring bottle

• Control group - presented with food in hatch

• Experimental group - presented with neutral stimulus sound (eg: metronome, electric buzzer). Then, the sound was paired with food. Then, sound but with no meat.

Describe Pavlov’s research (findings and conclusions)

Results:

• Conditioned dog - salivated 9 seconds after hearing the sound, salivated 11 drops in 45 seconds

Conclusions:

• Classical conditioning - when NS is repeatedly associated with UCS (that brings out an UCR), the NS becomes a CS, bringing out a CR

What are the applications of Pavlov’s research?

• Further research into classical conditioning on humans

Eg: John Watson conditioning Little Albert to show fear

• Behaviour programmes for changing human behaviour such as aversion therapy with addiction

• Treating phobias!!

Describe Skinner’s Rats (aim and procedure)

Aim: To explain how behaviour is maintained through repetition and reinforcement (operant conditioning)

Procedure:

• Placed rats in a box containing a lever, light and food dispenser

• When rats pressed the lever (behaviour), food came out (reward). Rats learned to press the lever for food (positive reinforcement)

• Skinner electrified the floor (negative experience) and when rats pressed the lever (behaviour), it stopped. Rats learned the behaviour (negative reinforcement)

Describe Skinner’s Rats (findings and conclusions)

Findings:

• Found that the rats continued pressing the lever through either positive reinforcement (gaining rewards - food), or negative reinforcement (taking away a negative experience - electrifying floor)

• Rats in the positive reinforcement learned the behaviour faster than the negative reinforcement group

Conclusions:

Behaviour is more likely to be repeated when it is associated with rewards or the removal of a negative experience