Behaviourist/learning approach

• behaviourist approach A01

  • all behaviour is learned through conditioning/ modelling
  • rejects introspection
• classical conditioning 


  pavlov
• classical conditioning


  UCS = UCR

  NS + UCS = UCR

  NS = CS

  CS = CR
• extinction 


  response can be unlearned
• stimulus generalisation 


  stimuli similar to CS will lead to some response as well

  (e.g Little Albert)
• Little Albert (Watson and Rayner 1920)

  clang = cry

  white furry rat + clang = cry

  anything white and furry = cry
• operant conditioning 


  Skinner
• 3 types of operant conditioning

  1. positive reinforcement
  2. negative reinforcement
  3. punishment
• Skinners Box


  rat in cage experiment
• classical conditioning strengths

  • controlled = reliable
  • no ev = validity
  • applicable
• classical conditioning weaknesses

  • oversimplified
  • ignored external influences (free will)
• operant conditioning strengths

  • real world applications
  • successful in institutions to teach behaviour
• operant conditioning weaknesses

  • unethical (harmful to animals)
  • harsh conditions