Psychology: The Behavioural Approach
- Created by: qmwnebrvtc
- Created on: 18-01-16 10:37
The Behavioural/Learning Approach
= we are the product of our environment
Assumptions:
All behaviours (normal and abnormal) are learned. Learned responses from environmental stimuli. Study observational behaviour = empirical.
JB Watson (1878-1958) - Father of Behaviourism. Can be taught to be anything, due to environment.
Scientific:
For example, the behavioural approach focuses on what is observable and measureable. This is positive because it allows concepts such as classical conditioning to be demonstrated scientifically- allowing for empirical support for the theory.
Causes:
- Classical Conditioning- Learning by association
- Operant Learning- Learning by reinforcement
- Social Learning- Learning by watching others being rewarded
Classical Conditioning
Creating a new response to a stimulus
Stimulus - response relationships
Classical conditioning - Little Albert
US (Loud Noise) ---> UR (Fear)
US (Loud Noise) + NS (Rat) ---> UR (Fear)
CS (Rat) ---> CR (Fear)
Operant Learning
Learning by reinforcement
Reward = encourages certain behaviours (increases chances of them being repeated)
Punishment = Discourages certain behaviours (decreases certain behaviours (decreases chances of them being repeated)
B.F Skinner- rats/pigeons in boxes. Behaviour can be learnt through a series of rewards and punishments. e.g. Skinner taught pigeons to play ping pong.
Skinner (1974)
Demonstrated that…
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