Approaches essay plans- 16 markers
Behavourist approach
AO1-
- Assumption 1- must be based on empirical evidence so behaviour can be
measurable and observable
- Assumption 2- behaviour is learnt through interactions with the environment
- Assumption 3- animal research can be used as animals and humans use similar
learning techniques
- Classical conditioning - when a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus
after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus e.g Pavlovs dogs
- Operant conditioning - learning through reinforcement , punishment
AO3
+ Scientific methods, lab studies, skinner's box. High control over extreneous variables,
replicable and objective. This increases validity of the study
+ Supporting evidence, pavlovs dogs. Real world application
- Animal studies may lack genralisability, unethical
- May only be reductive, focuses mostly on nurture rather than nature
Social learning theory
AO1
- Assumes we learn by observing others behaviours
- Observational learning- watching and imitating behaviour of others
- Modelling - a behaviour which is then imitated by others
- Factors affecting observational learning:
Vicarious reinforcement- learning via the consequences of someone elses behaviour
which affects likelihood of behaviour being repeated
Identification- behaviour more likely to be repeated if you identify with the model
- Bandaura (1961)
- Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation
AO3
+ Holistic approach, accounts for mediational processes
+ Real world application
+ Supporting research - Bandura, lab experiments
- Bandura, an unfamiliar environment not reflecting real life situations. Demand
characteristics, lacks ecological validity
- Theory doesnt explain why boys imitated the aggressive behaviour more than girls
Biological approach
AO1
- Suggests all behaviour is innate and based on biology and genetics
- Uses twin studies to find out if behaviour has a genetic basis, if MZ twins hve a
higher concordance rate than DZ twins then it is concluded behaviour has a genetic
basis
- Phenotype- observable charatoristics
- Genotype- inherited genetics
- Natural selection
Behavourist approach
AO1-
- Assumption 1- must be based on empirical evidence so behaviour can be
measurable and observable
- Assumption 2- behaviour is learnt through interactions with the environment
- Assumption 3- animal research can be used as animals and humans use similar
learning techniques
- Classical conditioning - when a neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus
after being associated with an unconditioned stimulus e.g Pavlovs dogs
- Operant conditioning - learning through reinforcement , punishment
AO3
+ Scientific methods, lab studies, skinner's box. High control over extreneous variables,
replicable and objective. This increases validity of the study
+ Supporting evidence, pavlovs dogs. Real world application
- Animal studies may lack genralisability, unethical
- May only be reductive, focuses mostly on nurture rather than nature
Social learning theory
AO1
- Assumes we learn by observing others behaviours
- Observational learning- watching and imitating behaviour of others
- Modelling - a behaviour which is then imitated by others
- Factors affecting observational learning:
Vicarious reinforcement- learning via the consequences of someone elses behaviour
which affects likelihood of behaviour being repeated
Identification- behaviour more likely to be repeated if you identify with the model
- Bandaura (1961)
- Attention, retention, reproduction, motivation
AO3
+ Holistic approach, accounts for mediational processes
+ Real world application
+ Supporting research - Bandura, lab experiments
- Bandura, an unfamiliar environment not reflecting real life situations. Demand
characteristics, lacks ecological validity
- Theory doesnt explain why boys imitated the aggressive behaviour more than girls
Biological approach
AO1
- Suggests all behaviour is innate and based on biology and genetics
- Uses twin studies to find out if behaviour has a genetic basis, if MZ twins hve a
higher concordance rate than DZ twins then it is concluded behaviour has a genetic
basis
- Phenotype- observable charatoristics
- Genotype- inherited genetics
- Natural selection
