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Advantages
- Scientifically credible. Brings in processes like replication and objectivity. Influential in the development of Psychology as a scientific discipline.
- Set in Lab Settings. Brings in language and methods of the Natural sciences in Psychology, because it focuses on measurements of observable behaviour in Labs.
- Real-Life Application. Operant Conditioning can be seen in token Economy systems (Prisons, Psych Hospitals). Classical Conditioning is used for treating Phobias.
- Social Learning Theory emphasizes importance of mental Processes.
- Process mediates from response and Stimuli. Shows we may have a bigger role in our learning.
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Disadvantages
- Ethical and Practical Issues of Animal Experiments. Skinner's Rats were exposed to stressful and aversive conditions. May have affected reactions.
- Mechanistic views of Behaviour. Animals and Humans are seen as passive and machine-like in their environment. Little or no conscious insight into behaviour.
- The Learning Theory may apply less to humans and more to Animal behaviour.
- Environmental Determinism. Determines behaviour is caused by experiences that have been conditioned. Doesn't allow free will to play any part.
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