AO3: Behaviourist approach

Cards (5)

Strength: Well-controlled research
What? Based on well-controlled research
Who? Highly controlled lab settings, EVs removed - cause-and-effect shown
Why? Scientific credibility
Counterpoint: Well-controlled research
What? Oversimplified learning process
Who? Social Learning Theory and Cognitive approach drawn attention to mental processes; behaviourism does not
Why? Learning more complex
Strength: Real-world application
What? Practical use
Who? Token economy systems (prisons, schools, etc.) - rewarding behaviour with tokens which can be exchanged for privileges + classical conditioning helps with treatment of phobias
Why? Increases value
Limitation: Environmental determinism
What? Sees all behaviour as conditioned by past conditioning experiences
Who? Skinner - free will is an illusion; ignores it - everything we do is because of our reinforcement history
Why? Extreme position, ignores conscious decision-making processes
Limitation: Ethical issues
What? Harsh conditions
Who? Skinner's animals held in harsh conditions
Why? Cost-benefit analysis; is it worth it?