Behaviorism in Psychology

Study Notes

The Behaviourist Approach

Focuses on observable and measurable behaviour.
Argues humans and animals learn through conditioning.

Classical Conditioning

Developed by Ivan Pavlov.
Learning through association.
Example: Dog salivating to bell sound after associating it with food.

Operant Conditioning

Developed by B.F. Skinner.
Learning through reinforcement.
Example: Rats pressing a lever for food pellets (positive reinforcement) or avoiding a lever to avoid electric shock (negative reinforcement).

Strengths of the Behaviourist Approach

Real-world applications:
- Principles of conditioning used in token economy systems, rewarding desired behaviour with privileges in institutions like psychiatric wards.
Scientifically credible research:
- Focuses on observable behaviour in highly controlled lab settings.
- Experiments like those conducted by Skinner demonstrate cause-and-effect relationships.

Limitations of the Behaviourist Approach

Oversimplification:
- Ignores the influence of human thought (cognitive processes) on learning.
Environmental determinism:
- Views behaviour as solely determined by past conditioning, ignoring the role of free will.
- Suggests that free will is an illusion, with all choices dictated by past conditioning.

Description

Explore the Behaviourist Approach to psychology, focusing on the principles of classical and operant conditioning as developed by Pavlov and Skinner. This quiz also highlights the strengths and limitations of behaviorist theories in real-world applications and scientific research.