The Behaviourist Approach

The Behaviourist Approach

1. Assumptions

   • Only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured
   • John Watson rejected introspection
   • Used lab experiments to maintain control
   • Behaviourists identify 2 important forms of learning: classical and operant conditioning

2. Classical Conditioning

   • Classical conditioning is learning through assossiation

3. Operant Conditioning

   • Skinner suggested that learning is active process
   • There are 3 types of consequences of behavior
     • Positive Reinforcement: receiving a reward when a certain behavior is performed
     • Negative Reinforcement; occur when an individual avoids something unpleasant
     • Punishment: an unpleasant consequence for a certain behavior

4. Evaluation

   • Scientific credibility: focuses on measuring observable behavior within controlled lab settings
   • Real-life applications: basis of token economy system. Classical conditions can treat phobias
   • Mechanistic View on behavior: animals are seen as passive and machine-like responders to the enviroment
   • Environmental determinism: ignores any possible influence of free will
   • Ethical and Practical issues: used animals therefore can't relate to humans. Unethical for skinners rts

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