Behaviourist approach:

• What is the behaviourist approach?


  A way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning.
• Behavioural approach:

  According to the behavioural theory of human behaviour (animals as well) the CAUSE is learnt/learning. i.e external factors + environmental
• What are the two ways that we learn?

  1. Classical conditioning (association)
  2. Operant conditioning (consequences)
• What is classical conditioning?


  Learning by association. Occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired together- an unconditioned stimulus (UCS) and a new/neutral stimulus (NS). The neutral stimulus eventually produces the same response that was first produced by the unconditioned stimulus alone.
• What us operant conditioning?


  A form of learning in which behaviour is shaped and maintained by its consequences. Possible consequences of behaviour include reinforcement (positive or negative) and punishment.
• What are the two types of consequence?

  1. reinforcement (both types strengthen behaviour)
  2. punishment (weakens behaviour- decreasing the likelihood of the behaviour being repeated)
• What is reinforcement?


  A consequence of behaviour that increases the likelihood of that behaviour being repeated. Can be positive or negative.
• What are the two kinds of reinforcement?

  1. Postive
  2. negative
• Give me a strength of the Behaviourist approach:

  A strength of the behaviourism is its use of highly controlled laboratory experiments. Behaviourists' concern with measuring observable behaviour revolutionised psychological research. Studying rats and pigeons facilitated the ability of researchers to conduct more objective and replicable experiments, giving psychology scientific credibility and status