Behaviourist Approach Flashcards

Assumption of the Behaviourist Approach

Assumes behaviour is determined by environment,which provides stimuli to which we respond, and past environments cause us to learn to respond to stimuli in a certain way. Reinforcement motivates our behaviour

1 of 11

Implication of the Behaviourist Approach

Deterministic- our behaviour is determined by factors beyond our control in this case - environment.

2 of 11

Studies that take the Behaviourist Approach

-->Griffiths -->Savage Rumbaugh --> Bandura -->Milgram

3 of 11

Strength 1 of the Behaviourist Approach

Behaviourist explanations can be easily tested because they are operationalized. A good theory must be falsifiable and this is true of the behaviourist explanation. (Bandura)

4 of 11

Strength 2 of the Behaviourist Approach

Provides evidence of the nurture side of the nature vs. nurture debate. (Savage Rumbaugh)

5 of 11

Strength 3 of the Behaviourist Approach

Allows psychologists to investigate the effect of the environment on behaviour (Milgram)

6 of 11

Weakness 1 of the Behaviourist Approach

Behaviourist explanations are reductionist,iththe consequences that they may prevent psychologists investigating other explanations for behaviour. e.g family relation or experiences, or role of emotions (Bandura)

7 of 11

Weakness 2 of the Behaviourist Approach

Deterministic-suggests people are 'controlled' by factors outside their control,therefore lacking personal responsibility. -portrays humans as passive responders to environmental influences with no free will (Milgram)

8 of 11

Weakness 3 of the Behaviourist Approach

It underestimates the role of biology and biological factors influencing behaviour. Excludes role of cognitive/mental factors. (Griffiths)

9 of 11

Similarities of the Behaviourist Approach

Griffiths and Bandura - both snapshot. arcade vs nursery one test. Griffiths and Savage Rumbaugh- both quasi experiments gamblers vs bonobos. Griffiths and Milgram- both self selected Uni of Exeter vs New Haven area.

10 of 11

Differences of the Behaviourist Approach

Griffiths and Bandura -method - field vs lab experiment. Savage Rumbaugh + Any - animals vs humans; Milgram and Griffiths - controlled observation vs field experiment

11 of 11

Get Revising

Behaviourist Approach Flashcards

Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Back

Card 3

Front

Back

Card 4

Front

Back

Card 5

Front

Back

Comments

Similar Psychology resources: