Approaches
The Behaviourist Approach
The approach:
Assumptions
- Observable behaviour is all that needs to be studied. Basic processes are the same in all
species.
Classical conditioning - Pavlov
- Research on salivation in dogs. Association of UCS with NS to produce new CS CR.
Operant conditioning - Skinner
- Research with rats and pigeons in Skinner box. Animals operate on environmental behaviour
shaped by consequences. Reinforcement (positive and negative), punishment.
Evaluation:
Well-controlled research
- Behaviour broken down to stimulus-response units, helps remove extraneous variables.
Counterpoint
- Reducing behaviour in this way removes important influences on behaviour (e.g. thought).
Real-world application
- Token economy systems used in prisons and psychiatric institutions.
Environmental determinism
- All behaviour influenced by past experience, no room for free will.
Ethical issues
- Controlled conditions important for research but not good for animals (e.g. kept hungry).
Social Learning Theory
The approach
Assumptions
- Behaviour is learned from experience. In contrast with behaviourism, learned through
observation and imitation of others (social).
Vicarious reinforcement
- Observational behaviour leads to imitation if behaviour is vicariously reinforced (Bobo doll
experiment).
Mediational processes
- Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation.
Identification
- More likely to imitate role models you identify with (e.g. attractive, high status).
Evaluation
Cognitive factors
The Behaviourist Approach
The approach:
Assumptions
- Observable behaviour is all that needs to be studied. Basic processes are the same in all
species.
Classical conditioning - Pavlov
- Research on salivation in dogs. Association of UCS with NS to produce new CS CR.
Operant conditioning - Skinner
- Research with rats and pigeons in Skinner box. Animals operate on environmental behaviour
shaped by consequences. Reinforcement (positive and negative), punishment.
Evaluation:
Well-controlled research
- Behaviour broken down to stimulus-response units, helps remove extraneous variables.
Counterpoint
- Reducing behaviour in this way removes important influences on behaviour (e.g. thought).
Real-world application
- Token economy systems used in prisons and psychiatric institutions.
Environmental determinism
- All behaviour influenced by past experience, no room for free will.
Ethical issues
- Controlled conditions important for research but not good for animals (e.g. kept hungry).
Social Learning Theory
The approach
Assumptions
- Behaviour is learned from experience. In contrast with behaviourism, learned through
observation and imitation of others (social).
Vicarious reinforcement
- Observational behaviour leads to imitation if behaviour is vicariously reinforced (Bobo doll
experiment).
Mediational processes
- Attention, retention, motor reproduction, motivation.
Identification
- More likely to imitate role models you identify with (e.g. attractive, high status).
Evaluation
Cognitive factors
