Behaviourism

Question 1

Behaviourism

Answer 1

Explains learning in terms of external events as the cause of changes in observable behaviours

Question 2

Behavioural theories stress the importance of…

Answer 2

the role of the environment – specifically, how stimuli are arranged and presented and how responses are reinforced

Question 3

Classical conditioning

Answer 3

• Ivan Pavlov
• Involuntary behaviour
• Stimulus elicits a response
• association of automatic responses with stimuli

Question 4

Operant conditioning

Answer 4

• Skinner
• Study of the impact of consequence on voluntary behaviour
• Learning in which voluntary (goal directed) behaviour is strengthened or weakened by consequences or antecedents
• Deliberate / voluntary actions (operants)
• Stimulus follows a behaviour, determines likelihood of it being repeated

Question 5

Behaviour can be reinforced through…

Answer 5

• Rewards

- Punishments

Question 6

Positive reinforcement

Answer 6

Strengthens behaviour through welcome stimulus

i.e. praise for tidying room

Question 7

Negative reinforcement

Answer 7

Strengthens behaviour through taking away negative stimulus when it happens

Question 8

2 types of punishment

Answer 8

1. Added stimulus

2. Removal of stimulus

Question 9

1. Reinforcement ___ behaviour

2. Punishment ___ behaviour

Answer 9

1. increases

2. decreases

Question 10

Contiguity

Answer 10

Any stimulus and response connected in time and/or space will tend to be associated
- Edwin Guthrie

Question 11

Criticisms

Answer 11

• unethical
• overemphasises rewards and decreases interest in learning
• negative impact on students who aren’t rewarded