Behaviourist approach

• What are the key assumptions (3)

  -all behaviour is learned, we are born as blank slates

  -we can study animals and use the same principles on humans

  -focus on behaviour that can be observed and measured
• Classical conditioning


  Learning through association
• Classical conditioning steps

  Before:

  NS->NR

  UCS->UCR

  During:

  NS+UCS->UCR

  After:

  CS->CR
• Operant conditioning 


  Learning through reinforcement
• Positive reinforcement 


  Behaviour that is rewarded is repeated

  (push the lever, food comes out)
• Negative reinforcement 


  Behaviour that removes something unpleasant is repeated

  (Push lever, shocks stop)
• Strength (1)


  Practical application for phobias

  (systematic desensitisatio)
• Weaknesses (2)

  -overly simplified (humans are more complex)

  -environmental determinism (ignores free will which could lead to a self fulfilling prophecy)