learning approach - behaviourist

learning approach - behaviourist

1. key terms

   • behaviourist approach
     • a way of explaining behaviour in terms of what is observable and in terms of learning
   • classical conditioning
     • learning by association - Pavlov's dogs
   • operant condition
     • learning by consequences - Skinner's rats
   • reinforcement
     • a consequence of behaviour that increases the liklihood of that behaviour being repeated (positive or negative)

2. assumptions

   • only observable behaviour
   • no mental processes
   • Watson rejected introspection
   • high control - lab
   • learning is the same in all species

3. classical conditioning

   • Pavlov
     • learning through association
     • used dogs to prove this

4. operant condition

   • Skinner
     • learning by consequences
     • positive reinforcement
       • receiving a reward - increases likelihood of behaviour being repeated
     • negative reinforcement
       • doing something which stops something bad from happening - behaviour is likely to be repeated
     • punishment
       • unpleasant consequence - decreases likelihood of behaviour from happening

5. evaluation

   • scientific credibility
     • observable characteristics can be measured
     • measured within a highly controlled setting
     • can be repeated (replicated)
     • so greater credibility
   • real life application
     • real world behaviours
     • token economy systems in prisons
     • classical condition phobias
       • less effort from patients
       • don't think about their problems
   • mechanistic view
     • all animals are passive
     • people play more of a role in their learning

6. evaluation +

   • environmental detriminism
     • behaviour determined by past experiences
     • ignores free will
     • Skinner - past conditioning determines our decisions
   • ethics
     • Skinner's box
       • animals exposed to high levels of stress
       • adverse conditions

7. Skinner

   • used rats to demonstrate operant conditioning
   • used positive reinforcement (treat)
   • used punishment (electric shock)

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