Behaviourist Approach to Psychology

Behaviourist Approach

• Ivan Pavlov (1927) developed classical conditioning, focusing on publicly observable responses.
• This approach uses the scientific method, avoiding introspection.
• It centers on observable behaviours and their conditioning, ignoring subjective experiences.
• Classical conditioning involves repeatedly pairing a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to elicit a conditioned response.
• Operant conditioning, by B.F. Skinner, focuses on voluntary behaviours modified by reinforcement or punishment.
• Positive reinforcement strengthens behaviour by adding a desirable consequence.
• Negative reinforcement strengthens behavior by removing an undesirable consequence.
• Positive punishment weakens behaviour by adding an undesirable consequence.
• Negative punishment weakens behaviour by removing a desirable consequence.
• Reinforcement schedules (variable-ratio, fixed-ratio) determine when reinforcement occurs.

Habit Formation

• Habits are a regular tendency or practice, hard to change, often unconscious actions.
• We need habits for efficiency, consistency, goal achievement, health and wellness, and time management.
• Habits involve a cue, routine, and reward.
• The cue triggers a routine, and the reward reinforces the habit loop.

Social Learning Theory

• Individual cognitive development, according to Piaget, is a solitary act.
• Vygotsky's theory emphasizes social interaction as a primary factor in cognitive development.
• More knowledgeable others—people who possess more knowledge or skill—help guide learners.
• The social learning theory describes observation of others as a critical aspect of the experience process.
• The stages include focusing attention, observing, and analysis of the behaviour.
• Scaffolding and spiral design of curriculum are important tools.

Cognitive Learning Theory

• Learning involves the active mind's role in processing learning opportunities and developing knowledge engagement.
• John Dewey (1859-1952) emphasises reflection-led learning from experience.
• Progressive education focuses on the holistic development of students, involving learning through reflection.
• Experiential learning promotes active participation and reflection on experiences.

Kolb's Learning Styles

• Kolb's learning styles model is a tool for evaluating and understanding diverse learning preferences.
• Diverging learners excel in idea generation and exploration of diverse perspectives. They prefer to watch and feel.
• Assimilating learners emphasise concise logic and analytical approaches, preferring to think and watch.
• Converging learners excel in practical applications and solutions to practical problems, preferring to think and do.
• Accommodating learners excel at hands-on tasks and prefer to feel and do.

Bloom's Taxonomy

• Bloom's taxonomy classifies learning objectives into six levels of increasing complexity: remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating, and creating.

Procrastination

• Procrastination is a habit, often driven by pleasure, excuses, and cheating.
• We can fight this by planning (short and long-term, daily plan), habit schemata (trigger, routine, prize), and learning the value of long-term goals.