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ESSAYSOutline + evaluate the behaviourist approach
The behaviourist approach is only concerned with studying behaviour that
is observable and measurable – behaviourists rejected the idea of
introspection. Behaviourists carried out research in a controlled laboratory
setting (scientific). They believed that humans are another animal
species, so it is fine to use animals to understand humans. All behaviour is
learned through conditioning, of which there are two types: classical and
operant conditioning. Classical condition is learning through association.
Pavlov conducted research with dogs where an unconditioned stimulus
(food) leads to an unconditioned response (salvation). A neutral stimulus
(bell) is associated repeatedly with the unconditioned stimulus and this
neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus (bell) leading to a
conditioned response (salvation). Operant conditioning is learning through
consequences. Skinner’s research with rats and pigeons demonstrates
this. If behaviour is reinforced, it leads to it being repeated (positive
reinforcement rewards behaviour, negative reinforcement removes an
unpleasant consequence). If behaviour is punished, it leads to the
behaviour being stopped.
A strength of behaviourism is that it uses well-controlled research.
Research by Pavlov and Skinner focuses on observable behaviour in a
controlled lab setting. This means that behaviour is broken down into
small stimulus and responses, so that causal relationships can be
established and studied. Consequently, behaviourist research is high in
scientific credibility. However, by breaking down behaviour in this way,
the approach may oversimplify the learning process by ignoring other
influences on behaviour such as cognitive and biological factors.
Another strength of the behaviourist approach is that it has real-world
application. Operant conditioning has been applied within institutions such
as prisons and mental health facilities to shape behaviour through token
economies. Additionally, the process of classical conditioning has helped
us understand how phobias are formed and has led to the development of
therapies to treat phobias. This shows how the principles of conditioning
can be applied to everyday behaviour and settings. Consequently, this
shows how the behaviourist approach has been useful, adding benefit to
society.
However, the approach can be accused of being environmentally
determinist. The approach sees all behaviour as the result of past
experiences, and ignores our ability to make conscious choices (free will).
It therefore does not believe that we have any influence over our
behaviour. This suggests that the behaviourist approach is a limited
explanation as it does not take account of the role of cognitive factors
which influence our behaviour.
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