The Behaviourist approach

• The behaviourist approach is only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured, mental processes of the mind are seen as irrelevant. Behaviourist based research typically involves lab studies.
• What is Classical conditioning?

  Learning through association. Pavlov (1927) showed how dogs can be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell, associating the bell sound with food.
• What is operant conditioning?

  Operant conditioning is behaviour shaped by consequences (Skinner 1953). Positive reinforcement - receiving a reward for desired behaviour,

  Negative reinforcement - Subject does desired behaviour to avoid negative consequences, Punishment - Unpleasant consequence of behaviour.
• Strengths of behaviourist research. (well controlled research)

  Well-controlled research.

  As behaviourists focus on the measurement of observable behaviour within controlled lab systems , other extraneous variables are removed allowing cause and effect relationships to be established
• Strengths of behaviourist research. (Real world application)

  The principles of conditioning have been applied to real-world situations (prisons and psych wards)
• Limitation of the behaviourist approach, ( Environmental determinism)

  SKinner suggested that everything we do is due to our reinforcement history, this ignores any possible influence that free will may have on behaviour.
• Limitations of the behaviourist approach (ethical issues)

  Animal cruelty surrouding both Pavlov's and Skinner's experiments.