Strengths and Weaknesses of Behavioural Approach

Created by: Charlotte
Created on: 02-04-13 14:56


	Strengths and Weaknesses of Behavioural Approach
	Advantages It has successfully applied classical and operant conditioning to its theories. Systematic desensitisation is based on classical conditioning and is useful for treating phobias. Uses scientific methods of research because the experiments are objective, measurable and observable. An example of this is Bandura's bobo doll study of aggression..	Disadvantages Focuses too much on the 'nurture' side of the nature/nurture debate. It suggests that all behaviour is learned but cognitive and biological elements have been proved to affect behaviour. Ethical issues raised by using animals in experiments. This is because animals can not consent to take part and are unable to withdraw. An example of a behaviourist animal study is Pavlov's dogs which led to classical conditioning principles being developed.
	Evaluation Looks at environment which appears to have a strong effect on mental illnesses but it could also be down to biological reasons (e.g. family: one member has a mental illness another family member gets one this could be down to environment or because of the illness running through family) Is not clear cut which one it is down to (either biological/behaviourism)

Strengths and Weaknesses of Behavioural Approach

Advantages

It has successfully applied classical and operant conditioning to its theories. Systematic desensitisation is based on classical conditioning and is useful for treating phobias.
Uses scientific methods of research because the experiments are objective, measurable and observable. An example of this is Bandura's bobo doll study of aggression..

Disadvantages

Focuses too much on the 'nurture' side of the nature/nurture debate. It suggests that all behaviour is learned but cognitive and biological elements have been proved to affect behaviour.
Ethical issues raised by using animals in experiments. This is because animals can not consent to take part and are unable to withdraw. An example of a behaviourist animal study is Pavlov's dogs which led to classical conditioning principles being developed.

Evaluation

Looks at environment which appears to have a strong effect on mental illnesses but it could also be down to biological reasons (e.g. family: one member has a mental illness another family member gets one this could be down to environment or because of the illness running through family) Is not clear cut which one it is down to (either biological/behaviourism)

Comments

Ibrahim - Team GR

Report Sun 14th July, 2013 @ 01:36

Has alot of depth and answers the evaluative question well. Could have added case studies to link as examples but still a 4/5! Well Done!

adamk458

Report Sun 1st October, 2017 @ 15:57

Bandura's Bobo Doll was a social learning theory, but otherwise correct!

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Strengths and Weaknesses of Behavioural Approach