The Behaviourist Approach

1 Assumptions

1.1 Only interested in studying behaviour that can be observed and measured

1.2 John Watson rejected introspection

1.3 Used lab experiments to maintain control

1.4 Behaviourists identify 2 important forms of learning: classical and operant conditioning

2 Classical Conditioning

2.1 Classical conditioning is learning through assossiation

2.2

3 Operant Conditioning

3.1 Skinner suggested that learning is active process

3.2 There are 3 types of consequences of behavior

3.2.1 Positive Reinforcement: receiving a reward when a certain behavior is performed

3.2.2 Negative Reinforcement; occur when an individual avoids something unpleasant

3.2.3 Punishment: an unpleasant consequence for a certain behavior

3.3

4 Evaluation

4.1 Scientific credibility: focuses on measuring observable behavior within controlled lab settings

4.2 Real-life applications: basis of token economy system. Classical conditions can treat phobias

4.3 Mechanistic View on behavior: animals are seen as passive and machine-like responders to the enviroment

4.4 Environmental determinism: ignores any possible influence of free will

4.5 Ethical and Practical issues: used animals therefore can't relate to humans. Unethical for skinners rts

Resource summary

	Created by Dominique Fernan about 5 years ago