Evaluating the Behaviourist Approach

Evaluating the Behaviourist Approach

1. Strengths

   • Scientific Approach
     • Behaviourist Explanations = clear variables (STIMULUS/RESPONSE/REINFORCER)
       • Can be directly observed and measured (as opposed to thoughts and feelings)
       • Research can investigate observable behaviours (reinforcement on learning)
         • Skinner - Pigeons
           • GAMBLER - researcher may use rewards to reduce problem behaviour
         • Enables us to distinguish BELIEFS from REAL FACTS
           • People want evidence that Mental Illness treatments have worked
           • Desirable
   • Successful Applications
     • Behaviourist Explanations = successfully applied to the real world
       • Principles of Classical Conditioning, used in Aversion Therapy (help with addictions)
       • Systematic Desensitisation (help with phobias)
       • Psychologists conduct research and develop theories to IMPROVE the world we live in
       • Helped us understand dynamics behind everyday behaviours (parents rewarding children)
         • Develop strategies furthur

2. Weaknesses

   • Determinist
     • Behaviourist explanations = suggest behaviour has been caused by associations, reinforcements and punishments
       • NOT personal decision-making
       • FOR EXAMPLE: we do not shoplift or murder because its because we would be punished
         • NOT because we think it's morally wrong
       • UNDERMINES sense of choice and free will
       • People have no personal or moral responsibility for their behaviour
         • Criminal justice courts CAN'T be held responsible for any wrongdoing
           • People SHOULD be punished --> change behaviour
   • More relevant to Animals than Humans
     • Behaviourist Approach BELIEVES = animals essentially no different to humans
       • Pavlov + Classical Conditioning in dogs
     • Same building blocks (STIMULUS-RESPONSE) explaining of new behaviours
       • RESEARCH BIAS --> erronous picture of human behaviour
         • Humans have the power of thought (NOT AN OPTION FOR NON HUMANS)
         • Principles of Behaviourism only apply to a limited extent of human behaviour
           • Ignore role of thought in changing behaviour

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