Behaviourist approach

• What does the specification require you to know about the Behaviourist approach?

  Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and research
• What is the assumption of the Learning Approach regarding human behavior?

  All behavior is learned from the environment
• How does the Behaviourist approach view introspection?

  It rejects introspection as vague and unscientific
• What do Behaviourists believe about learning processes across species?

  Learning processes are the same for all species
• What is classical conditioning according to Behaviourists?


  Learning by association between stimuli
• What is the role of a neutral stimulus in classical conditioning?

  It initially does not cause a response
• What is an unconditioned stimulus (UCS)?

  A stimulus that naturally triggers a response
• What happens after repeated pairings of a neutral stimulus and an unconditioned stimulus?

  The neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus
• What are the three stages of classical conditioning?

  UCS, NS + UCS, CS
• What did Pavlov find about timing in classical conditioning?

  Association occurs when stimuli are presented together
• What is stimulus generalization in classical conditioning?

  Responding to similar stimuli as the conditioned stimulus
• What is extinction in classical conditioning?

  Conditioned response disappears when stimulus is presented alone
• What is positive reinforcement?

  A reward that increases the likelihood of behavior
• How does punishment affect behavior?

  It reduces the chance of repeating the behavior
• What is negative reinforcement?

  Stopping something unpleasant increases desired behavior
• What is shaping in operant conditioning?

  Rewarding behaviors that lead to a target behavior
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Behaviourist approach?

  Strengths:

  • Evidence from controlled lab studies
  • Validity and credibility in psychology

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Environmentally deterministic view
  • Limited generalizability from animal studies
  • Ethical issues in animal research
• How does the Behaviourist approach view free will?

  It suggests free will is an illusion
• What is the significance of supporting evidence for the Behaviourist approach?

  It adds validity and credibility to the approach
• What is a limitation of using animal studies in Behaviourist research?

  It raises questions about generalizability to humans
• How have the principles of conditioning been applied in real-world settings?

  Through token economies and systematic desensitization
• What is a potential problem with token economy systems?

  They may only work in the short-term
• What is the role of laboratory experiments in Behaviourist research?

  They allow control over variables to study behavior
• What ethical issues arise from using animals in Behaviourist research?

  Animals may be harmed or kept hungry
• What is anthropomorphism in the context of Behaviourist research?

  Attributing human characteristics to animals
• What did Pavlov demonstrate with his dogs?

  Dogs can learn to associate a bell with food
• What did Skinner's experiments with rats demonstrate?

  Behavior can be shaped through reinforcement
• What is the significance of high control over variables in Behaviourist studies?

  It establishes cause and effect relationships
• What is a limitation of high control in Behaviourist studies?

  It may lack ecological validity
• What is the purpose of using non-human participants in Behaviourist research?

  To avoid demand characteristics affecting results
• What is the ethical consideration regarding animal suffering in Behaviourist research?

  Research should avoid causing harm to animals
• How has Behaviourist research contributed to psychological treatments?

  It has led to effective therapies like systematic desensitization
• What are the key features of the Behaviourist approach?

  • Focus on observable behavior
  • Learning through conditioning
  • Emphasis on environmental influences
  • Use of scientific methods in research
• What are the main types of reinforcement in operant conditioning?

  • Positive reinforcement
  • Negative reinforcement
  • Punishment
• What are the stages of Pavlov's classical conditioning experiment?

  1. Prior to learning: UCS (food) → UCR (salivation)
  2. During learning: UCS + NS (bell) → UCR (salivation)
  3. After learning: CS (bell) → CR (salivation)
• What are the ethical issues associated with animal research in the Behaviourist approach?

  • Potential for physical harm
  • Animals kept in unnatural conditions
  • Ethical guidelines may be violated
• What are the implications of the Behaviourist approach for parenting?

  • Reinforcement can shape children's behavior
  • Negative reinforcement can impact mental health
  • Understanding conditioning can improve parenting strategies