Behaviourist Approach

• What is the main premise of learning theory?

  Behaviour is a product of learning
• What are the key learning theories?

  • Behaviourism
  • Social learning theory
• What does the cognitive approach focus on in learning?

  It studies thought processes
• How does the cognitive approach differ from the biological perspective?

  It emphasizes experience and the environment over biological factors
• What are the core assumptions of behaviourism?

  • Behaviour is learnt from experience
  • Observable behaviour equals measurable thoughts (subjective)
  • Valid to study animals as they share the same principles of learning
  • Humans are born as blank slates (tabula rasa) with no genetic influence on behaviour
• What is a Neutral Stimulus (NS) in classical conditioning?

  A stimulus that naturally produces a specific response
• What is an Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS)?

  A stimulus that automatically triggers a response
• What does Unconditioned Response (UCR) refer to?

  An unlearned response that occurs naturally in reaction to the UCS
• What is a Conditioned Stimulus (CS)?

  A previously neutral stimulus that triggers a conditioned response after association with the UCS
• What is a Conditioned Response (CR)?

  A learned response to a previously neutral stimulus
• What was the procedure in Pavlov's experiment with dogs?

  1. Inserted a small test tube into the dog's mouth to measure saliva
  2. Fed the dog while ringing a bell
  3. After repeated pairings, the dog salivated at the sound of the bell alone
• Who was BF Skinner influenced by in his research?

  Thorndike
• What was the focus of Skinner's work?

  Investigating the role of reward and punishment in shaping behaviour
• What is a Skinner box used for?

  • To study behaviour in animals, primarily rats and pigeons
  • Investigates the effects of reinforcement and punishment
• What are the types of reinforcement in Skinner's research?

  • Positive reinforcement: increases likelihood of behaviour due to positive consequences
  • Negative reinforcement: increases likelihood of behaviour by removing negative stimuli