Revision - Approaches
Behaviourist Approach
Behaviourist - Way of explaining behaviour by what is observable when
learning.
– Only takes into account behaviour that can be measured and
observed.
– Pavlov’s research of how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to
sound of a bell, every time bell rung dog received reward.
– Pavlov was able to show the bell (NS) can bring a new learned
response (CR) through association
– Order of Conditioning - US / UR / NS / NCR / UR / CS / CR
– Skinner said learning is active process where humans and animals
work via environment
– Positive Reinforcement / Negative Reinforcement / Punishment
– PR & NR increase likelihood that behaviour will be repeated.
Punishment decreases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated.
– Skinner did experiments with rats and pigeons in cages called Skinner
boxes. Rat activated lever within box it was rewarded with food pellet.
From then on animal would continue to perform the behaviour.
– Skinner showed rats could be conditioned to perform same behaviour
to avoid unpleasant stimulus - electric shock.
Positives of Approach:
– Scientific Credibility - brought languages and methods of science into
Psych. By focusing on measurement of observable behaviour in highly
controlled lab settings. Great credibility and status.
Behaviourist Approach
Behaviourist - Way of explaining behaviour by what is observable when
learning.
– Only takes into account behaviour that can be measured and
observed.
– Pavlov’s research of how dogs could be conditioned to salivate to
sound of a bell, every time bell rung dog received reward.
– Pavlov was able to show the bell (NS) can bring a new learned
response (CR) through association
– Order of Conditioning - US / UR / NS / NCR / UR / CS / CR
– Skinner said learning is active process where humans and animals
work via environment
– Positive Reinforcement / Negative Reinforcement / Punishment
– PR & NR increase likelihood that behaviour will be repeated.
Punishment decreases likelihood that behaviour will be repeated.
– Skinner did experiments with rats and pigeons in cages called Skinner
boxes. Rat activated lever within box it was rewarded with food pellet.
From then on animal would continue to perform the behaviour.
– Skinner showed rats could be conditioned to perform same behaviour
to avoid unpleasant stimulus - electric shock.
Positives of Approach:
– Scientific Credibility - brought languages and methods of science into
Psych. By focusing on measurement of observable behaviour in highly
controlled lab settings. Great credibility and status.
