Behaviourist Approach

• What does the term 'tabula rasa' mean in psychology?

  It means 'blank slate'.
• Which psychological approach is associated with the concept of 'tabula rasa'?


  Behaviourism
• What are the main approaches in psychology mentioned in the study material?

  • Behaviourist
  • Cognitive
  • Biological
  • Social Learning Theory (SLT)
  • Psychodynamic
  • Humanistic
• What are the key terms associated with the Behaviourist approach?

  Classical Conditioning, Operant Conditioning, Stimulus-Response Explanation, Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment
• What is the primary focus of the Behaviourist approach in psychology?

  To describe key assumptions and concepts of behaviour through observable stimuli and responses.
• What are the two main forms of learning in Behaviourism?

  1. Classical Conditioning (Pavlov)
  2. Operant Conditioning (Skinner)
• What is meant by 'Stimulus-Response (S-R) explanations' in Behaviourism?

  They refer to explanations that only consider observable stimuli and responses, ignoring other factors.
• What type of research methods do Behaviourists primarily use?

  Laboratory experiments on animal behaviour.
• Why do Behaviourists prefer using laboratory experiments?

  To achieve strict control of extraneous variables and discover cause-effect relationships.
• What assumption do Behaviourists make about the difference between humans and animals?

  They believe there is no qualitative difference between humans and animals in terms of learning processes.
• In classical conditioning, what does UCS stand for?

  Unconditioned Stimulus
• In classical conditioning, what does UCR stand for?

  Unconditioned Response
• In classical conditioning, what does NS stand for?

  Neutral Stimulus
• In classical conditioning, what does CS stand for?

  Conditioned Stimulus
• In classical conditioning, what does CR stand for?

  Conditioned Response
• What are the stages of classical conditioning as demonstrated by Pavlov's experiment?

  1. Before Conditioning:

  • NS: Bell
  • UCS: Food
  • UCR: Salivation

  1. During Conditioning:

  • Pairing NS (Bell) with UCS (Food)

  1. After Conditioning:

  • CS: Bell
  • CR: Salivation
• How might classical conditioning be used to condition a fear?

  By pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus that elicits fear.
• What is positive reinforcement?


  It is a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated by providing a pleasant outcome.
• What is negative reinforcement?

  It is a consequence that increases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated by removing an unpleasant outcome.
• What is punishment in the context of Behaviourism?

  It is a consequence that decreases the likelihood of a behaviour being repeated.
• What did Skinner's experiments with rats demonstrate about operant conditioning?

  They showed that behaviour can be learned through reinforcement.
• What is the role of the lever in Skinner's box experiment?

  The lever is used by the rat to receive a food pellet as a reward for pressing it.
• How does Skinner explain the illusion of free will in relation to behaviour?

  He suggests that behaviour is controlled by environmental factors and reinforcement.
• What are the key components of operant conditioning as demonstrated by Skinner's experiments?

  • Control behaviour through manipulation of the environment
  • Use of reinforcement (positive and negative)
  • Importance of repetition in learning
  • Example: Food pellet as a reward for pressing a lever
• What is the difference between positive and negative reinforcement?

  Positive reinforcement adds a pleasant consequence, while negative reinforcement removes an unpleasant consequence.
• How does negative reinforcement work in Skinner's box experiment?

  A rat learns to press a lever to turn off an electric shock, thus reinforcing the behaviour of pressing the lever.
• What are the strengths of the Behaviourist approach?

  • Emphasizes scientific methods and objectivity
  • Focuses on observable behaviour
  • Provides clear cause-effect relationships
  • Influential in the development of psychology as a science
• How have the principles of conditioning been applied in real life?


  They have been used in token economy systems and therapies for phobias.
• How does operant conditioning relate to gambling behaviour?

  Gambling can be reinforced by the rewards it provides, making the behaviour more likely to be repeated.
• What is systematic desensitization in relation to classical conditioning?


  • A therapy used to treat phobias
  • Involves gradually exposing the patient to the feared object or situation
  • Aims to condition a new, relaxed response to the fear
• What is operant conditioning used for in institutions like prisons and psychiatric wards?


  It is the basis of token economy systems that reward appropriate behavior with tokens.
• How does classical conditioning help in treating phobias?

  It helps psychologists develop therapies like systematic desensitization to condition a patient's fear response.
• How does operant conditioning relate to gambling behavior?

  Gambling rewards may reinforce destructive behavior, making it more likely to be repeated.
• What are the strengths and criticisms of laboratory studies with animals in behaviorism?

  Strengths:

  • More control over the process without demand characteristics.
  • Avoids individual differences influencing findings.

  
  

  Criticisms:

  • Ethical concerns about exposing animals to stressful conditions.
  • Animals behave differently than humans, limiting generalizability.
• What is the behaviorist approach's view on human behavior?

  It sees all behavior as determined by past experiences conditioned at the time of learning.
• What did Skinner suggest about behavior and reinforcement history?

  He suggested that everything we do is the sum total of our reinforcement history.
• What is the contradiction in Skinner's view regarding free will?

  Skinner refuted the notion of free will, ignoring any influence it may have on behavior.
• What are the key points to outline the Behavioral Approach in psychology?

  1. Introduces behaviorism as an approach focused on observable behavior.
  2. Pavlov's classical conditioning: association through learning.
  3. Skinner's operant conditioning: consequences of behavior.
  4. Variations of consequences: positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement, punishment.
  5. Focus on scientific methods and objective measurement.
  6. Rejects introspection and cognitive processes.
• What does the behaviorist approach argue about the nature-nurture debate?

  It argues for the extreme 'nurture' side, stating behavior is shaped by learning from the environment.
• Why do behaviorists reject the idea of introspection?

  They believe psychology should focus on observable behavior that can be objectively measured.