Behaviourist Approach

• What is Behaviourist Approach?

  A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what can be observed
• Assumptions of the Behaviorist Approach

  Only interested in studying behavior that can be measured n observed. (Not concerned w mental processes bcs it seen as irrelevant)

  
  

  All behavior is learned

  
  

  Research relied on lab studies

  
  

  Baby's mind is a 'blank slate' n is written on by experience.

  
  

  All basic processes that govern learning r the same in all species, so animals can replace humans in research.
• 2 Forms of conditioning/learning?

  Classical n Operant
• Who researched classical conditioning?

  Pavlov
• What is Classical conditioning and what did Pavlov do?

  Learning through association.

  
  

  He conditioned dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell.

  When a neural stiumulus (the bell) is paired with an unconditioned stimulus (the food), the bell can come to a conditioned stimulus that produces a conditioned response (Salivating)
• Who suggested Operant Conditioning?


  B.F Skinner
• Explain Operant Conditioning?


  Skinner suggested learning is an active process where humans n animals operate on the environment. Behavior is shaped by consequences:

  
  

  Positive reinforcement- Receiving a rewards when a certain behavior is performed, making it more likely to be performed.

  
  

  Neg. Reinforcement- avoiding something unpleasant so the outcome is positive, making it more likely that the action done to avoid the unpleasant thing is repeated.

  
  

  Punishment - Unpleasant consequence of behavior. This decreases behavior will be repeated.
• Explain Skinner's Research?

  Rat/Pigeon put in 'Skinner boxes'.Every time rat pulled a lever, rewarded w food pellets. : Positive Reinforcement

  
  

  He also demonstrated how animals could be conditioned to perform the same behavior to avoid an unpleasant stimulus (electric shock) : Neg. Reinforcement
• Strengths of Behaviorist Approach?

  
  

  -Well controlled Research leads to Scientific Credibility: Observable behavior within controlled lab settings. Breaking behavior intro basic stimulus-response units meant extraneous variables eliminated.

  
  

  -Real World Application: Operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems used in prisons. Rewards appropriate behavior w tokens that can be used to exchange it for privileges.
• Limitations of Behaviorist Approach?


  -Oversimplification: By reducing behavior to simple components, you ignore human though n process of cognitive thinking. Learning is more complex than observable behavior alone (cognitive approach, social learning theory)

  -Environmental Determinism: It sees all behavior as the sum of past conditioning experiences/total reinforcement history. Ignores free will. This extreme position ignores influence of conscious decision-making process on behavior.