(Mind like a blank slate)- All behaviour learnt through environmental stimuli
Behaviour should be:
observable and measurable -moved from introspection to maintain control and objectivity
Differences between animals and human
Only quantitative differences and therefore all can be used in research and applied to each
Scientific method (strength)
Controlled methods used to research key concepts - variables can be manipulated to test cause and effect. This validates the approach and give it credibility.
Evaluation - Reductionist
Both terms of conditioning under emphasises other factors such as genetics, cognition and the unconscious mind. e.g. operant conditioning is seen as an automatic reaction yet 'thinking' before we act has face validity. Furthermore, we may not learn behaviours such as phobias through association as they may be an evolutionary behaviour to help our survival.
Evaluation - Extrapolation of results
There is criticism over the application of results as humans have free will, higher order thinking and social and cultural factors which impact behaviour unlike other factors which would only afford conditioning. We cannot generalise findings from animals and humans
