Evaluation of classical conditioning & Pavlov's research

• Strengths

  • The use of scientific methods (e.g. lab experiments)
  • Reliability is based on the use of a testable hypothesis
  • Hypothesis testing takes place in controlled conditions using standardised, replicable procedures
  • The above measures produce results which should show consistency over time
  • Thus, research into behaviourism has good reliability
• Strengths

  • Behaviourism takes a nomothetic approach which is a strength as it seeks to establish general laws of behaviour which can be applied universally to all people
• Limitations

  • Whilst classical conditioning may explain some forms of behaviour, it cannot explain all behaviour:
  • behaviour which is spontaneous or original e.g. dyeing your hair bright blue
  • behaviour which resists conditioning e.g. someone who has been brought up in a strict religious environment who goes on to reject that religion
  • This means that classical conditioning has limited external validity
• Limitations

  • Behaviourism is highly deterministic (environmental determinism)
  • The assumption is that people are controlled by environmental forces and have little autonomy over their destiny
  • This assumption negates the role of free will in behaviour which reduces the usefulness of the approach, seeing people in almost mechanical terms