Learning approach's - behaviourist approach

• What does the behaviourist approach propose about human beings at birth?

  Everyone is born as a 'blank slate' which life writes upon.
• How does the behaviourist approach view the source of behaviour?

  All behaviour is learned from the environment.
• What method does the behaviourist approach use to understand behaviour?

  Behaviour can be understood using a stimulus-response approach.
• What role does reinforcement play in behaviour according to the behaviourist approach?

  Reinforcement is key in determining whether a behaviour will be repeated.
• What type of behaviours can be measured and investigated according to the behaviourist approach?

  Only observable behaviours can be measured and investigated.
• What is the preferred method for studying behaviour in the behaviourist approach?

  Using lab-based, scientific methods is the best way to study behaviour.
• How is animal research viewed in the context of the behaviourist approach?

  Animal research may be used as a basis for understanding human behaviour.
• What happens to repeated behaviours according to the behaviourist approach?

  Repeated behaviours become internalised and automatic.
• What are the two core principles that underpin the behaviourist approach?

  Classical conditioning and operant conditioning.
• What is classical conditioning (CC) in the context of the behaviourist approach?

  CC is learning via association.
• How does classical conditioning occur?

  CC occurs when a neutral stimulus is substituted for the original unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response.
• What is an unconditioned stimulus?

  An unconditioned stimulus is one which produces a natural, unforced response.
• Who discovered the mechanisms of classical conditioning and how?

  Pavlov discovered the mechanisms of CC accidentally while measuring the volume of specific enzymes in dog saliva.
• What observation did Pavlov make about the dogs in his lab?

  The dogs began to salivate when they heard the footsteps of the lab assistants approaching.
• What was Pavlov's reaction to his discovery regarding the dogs' salivation?

  Pavlov was astounded that the dogs salivated to a neutral stimulus rather than just the unconditioned stimulus.
• What procedure did Pavlov set up to test his discovery?

  Pavlov paired a bell (neutral stimulus) with food (unconditioned stimulus) to observe salivation (conditioned response).
• What happens after repeated pairings of the bell and food in Pavlov's experiment?

  The dog salivates when it hears the bell, making the bell the conditioned stimulus.
• What is extinction in the context of Pavlov's experiment?

  Extinction occurs when the conditioned response decreases and gradually disappears after the bell is no longer paired with food.
• What is operant conditioning (OC) in the behaviourist approach?


  OC is learning via consequence.
• What does operant conditioning assume about behaviours?

  OC assumes that some behaviours will be repeated based on their positive consequences.
• What is an example of a behaviour that may be repeated due to positive consequences?

  'That burger was yummy, I'll certainly be paying another visit to Junkfood Shack!'
• What is an example of a behaviour that may not be repeated due to negative consequences?

  'That's the last time I'm getting my lunch from Kale City!'
• What are the three types of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

  Positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, and punishment.
• What is positive reinforcement?


  Performing a behaviour to experience positive consequences, such as gaining praise from a teacher.
• What is negative reinforcement?


  Discontinuing a behaviour to avoid unpleasant consequences, such as completing homework to prevent detention.
• What is punishment in the context of operant conditioning?

  Punishment is a type of deterrent which can be positive (direct) or negative (indirect).
• What is a reinforcer in operant conditioning?

  The consequence that reinforces a behaviour, such as praise from a teacher or a detention.
• What did Skinner's research demonstrate about operant conditioning?


  Skinner's research using animals, particularly rats and pigeons, demonstrates the principles and mechanisms of OC.
• What is a Skinner box?

  A Skinner box is a specially designed box where a rat can press a lever to receive a food pellet as a reward.
• How does a rat learn to press the lever in a Skinner box?

  The rat learns to press the lever via ratios or intervals of reinforcement.
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of classical and operant conditioning?

  Strengths:

  • More ethical to use animals in research than humans (though debated)
  • Good application to educational settings and prisons (e.g., token economies)

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Cannot explain all behaviour (e.g., spontaneous behaviour, self-destructive behaviour)
  • Findings from animal studies cannot be generalized to humans