The behaviourist approach

• What is the behaviourist approach?

  The behaviourist approach is a perspective that focuses on observable behaviour and the environmental factors that influence it, while disregarding internal mental processes using the principles of classical and operant conditioning to explain them.
• What are the assumptions of the behaviourist approach?

  
  

  • all behaviour is learned
  • a baby's mind is a blank slate and knowledge is gained through experience
  • animals can replace humans in experiments because all basic processes that govern learning are the same in all species.
• Describe Pavlov's research (Classical conditioning):

  Pavlov demonstrated how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to the sound of a bell if that sound was repeatedly represented at the same time as they were given food.

  Pavlov's dogs learned to associate the sound of the bell (NS) with the food (UCS), producing a salivation response (UCS) everytime theyheard the sound.

  Through this, Pavlov was able to show how a NS can prompt a new learned response (CS) through association.
• Describe Skinner's research (Operant conditioning):

  Skinner suggested that learning is an active process and that behaviour is shaped by its consequences.

  In his research:

  • Rats were placed in a 'skinner box' - a controlled environment with levers and a food dispenser
  • Skinner showed positive reinforcement when giving food whilst pulling a lever, and negative reinforcement when giving an electric shock when pulling a lever
• What is positive reinforcement?


  is receiving an award when a certain behaviour is performed
• Give an example of positive reinforcement:


  Praise from a teacher for answering a question correctly in class
• What is negative reinforcement?


  the removal of an unpleasant stimulus to increase the likelihood of a desired behaviour. The outcome is a positive experience.
• Give an example of negative reinforcement:


  when a student hands in an essay in order not to be told off, the student is avoiding something unpleasant
• What is punishment?


  an unpleasant consequence of behaviour
• Give an example of a punishment:


  being shouted at by the teacher during the lesson
• AO3: Well-controlled research


  One strength is that it is based on well-controlled research.

  Behaviourists focused their measurement of observable behaviour in highly controlled lab settings. Strictly-controlled conditions reduce and control the effects of confounding and extraneous variables.

  This suggests that it has scientific credibility.
• AO3: Counterpoint


  However, some believe that behaviourists may have oversimplified the learning process.

  Other approaches such as the SLT and the cognitive approach have drawn attention to the mental processes involved in learning unlike the behaviourist approach, this may be an important influence on learning.

  This suggests that learning is more complex than observable behaviour and that mental processes are also essential.
• AO3: Real-world application


  Another strength is that the principles of conditioning have been applied to real world situations.

  For example, operant conditioning is the basis of token economy systems that have been used successfully in institutions. They work in prisons by rewarding appropriate behaviour in exchange for privileges.

  This increases the validity of the behaviourist approach as it has been used in real world situations.
• AO3: Environmental determinism


  One limitation is that it sees all behaviour as conditioned by past conditioning experiences.

  Skinner suggested that everything we do is the sum of our reinforcement history. This ignores any possible influence free will may have on our behaviour.

  This is an extreme position as it ignores the influence of conscious decision-making processes on behaviour.