Behaviourism

• What is the main focus of the Behaviourist Approach?

  People learn how to behave environmentally.
• What type of behaviour should be studied according to the Behaviourist Approach?

  Only measurable behaviour should be studied.
• Can animals be used in research according to the Behaviourist Approach?

  Yes, animals can be used in research.
• What is classical conditioning?

  Classical conditioning is learning by association.
• What does classical conditioning involve?

  It involves learning to respond automatically to a stimulus that does not normally cause a reflex response.
• What is the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) in classical conditioning?

  The UCS is a stimulus that naturally triggers a response.
• What is the unconditioned response (UCR) in classical conditioning?

  The UCR is the natural response to the unconditioned stimulus.
• What is the neutral stimulus (NS) in classical conditioning?

  The NS is a stimulus that initially produces no response.
• What happens during conditioning in classical conditioning?

  The unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is paired with the neutral stimulus (NS) to produce the unconditioned response (UCR).
• What occurs after conditioning in classical conditioning?

  The neutral stimulus (NS) becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS) and the unconditioned response (UCR) becomes the conditioned response (CR).
• What is time continuity in classical conditioning?

  Time continuity means that the neutral and unconditioned stimuli must be paired closely in time for association to occur.
• What is extinction in classical conditioning?

  Extinction occurs when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented alone several times without the unconditioned stimulus (UCS).
• What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

  Stimulus generalization occurs when the unconditioned stimulus (UCS) is varied slightly, and the conditioned response (CR) still occurs.
• What is stimulus discrimination in classical conditioning?

  Stimulus discrimination occurs when the stimulus differs too much, and the conditioned response (CR) no longer occurs.
• Who conducted the study with Little Albert?

  Watson conducted the study with Little Albert.
• What was the aim of Watson's study with Little Albert?

  Watson aimed to scare Little Albert using a loud noise while he played with a white rat.
• What was the outcome of Watson's study with Little Albert?

  Little Albert became scared of the rat without the loud noise being presented.
• What is a major limitation of Watson's study with Little Albert?

  The population validity is extremely low.
• What ethical concerns arise from Watson's study with Little Albert?

  The ethics of doing this to a child are horrific.
• What is operant conditioning?

  Operant conditioning is learning by consequences.
• Who developed operant conditioning?

  Operant conditioning was developed by Skinner.
• How do reinforcements affect behaviour in operant conditioning?

  Reinforcements increase the repetition or likelihood of behaviour.
• How do punishments affect behaviour in operant conditioning?

  Punishments decrease the repetition or likelihood of behaviour.
• What is positive reinforcement?

  Positive reinforcement is giving something pleasant.
• What is negative reinforcement?

  Negative reinforcement is the removal of something unpleasant.
• What is positive punishment?

  Positive punishment is giving something unpleasant.
• What is negative punishment?

  Negative punishment is the removal of something pleasant.
• What is extinction in operant conditioning?

  Extinction is the lack of consequences following a behaviour.
• What was the purpose of Skinner's box?

  Skinner's box was used to study operant conditioning by reinforcing behaviours with food and shocks.
• How did Skinner build up behaviours in his experiments?

  He used food and shocks as reinforcements and punishments.
• What is shaping in operant conditioning?

  Shaping is learning behaviours by reinforcing successively closer behaviours.
• What are the key evaluations of classical and operant conditioning?

  Strengths:

  • Research was lab-based and used the scientific method, enhancing objectivity and validity.
  • Both CC and OC have practical applications, improving treatment options for behaviour.

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • The behaviourist approach uses animals, which may not generalize to humans.
  • Ethical issues arise from studies using animals, such as causing harm.
• What is a strength of the research methods used in classical and operant conditioning?

  The research was lab-based and used the scientific method.
• Why is the lab-based research in classical and operant conditioning considered a strength?

  It is considered a strength because it is objective and high in validity and reliability.
• What is a limitation of lab experiments in classical and operant conditioning?

  Lab experiments lack ecological validity and are difficult to generalize to real-life settings.
• What practical applications do classical and operant conditioning have?

  Operant conditioning is used in education, and classical conditioning has led to treatments for phobias.
• Why is the use of animals in the behaviourist approach considered a weakness?

  It is a weakness because the human brain is more complex than that of animals, making generalizations inappropriate.
• What ethical issues are associated with studies using animals in the behaviourist approach?

  Ethical issues arise when animals are subjected to harm, such as electric shocks.