Behaviourist Debate

Question 1

What does the behaviourist debate discuss?

Answer 1

‘Conditioning techniques on children’

Question 2

What are the three themes included?

Answer 2

• Conditioning on vulnerable groups
  -Conditioning at schools
  -Effectiveness of conditioning

Question 3

Theme one : vulnerable groups
Arguments for?

Answer 3

• Lovaas (1987) developed ABA (applied behaviour analysis) from research on RJC school by applying electric shocks on children with autism disorder, which parents explain was “life-changing”.
• Chaney (2004) use of ‘funhaler’ for children with asthma which is fun therefor reinforcing, weeks later parents reported less medical problems.

Question 4

Social implication of for theme one?

Answer 4

Unethical to perform extreme manipulation of vulnerable children’s behaviour, especially through physical harm and would not be allowed in the current year 2024. Also may lead to mental or physical harm such as brain damage and therefor greater strain on the health services.

Question 5

Theme one : vulnerable groups
Arguments against?

Answer 5

• Lovaas (1987) research had methodological flaws including not randomly selecting participants therefor effectiveness not entirely valid.
• Some believe that undesirable behaviours may emerge once reinforcement is removed.

Question 6

Social implication against theme one?

Answer 6

Unfair and may lead to reliance on parents or others and the inability to become independent which could mean less work and impact economy.

Question 7

Theme two : conditioning at school
Argument for?

Answer 7

• LeFrancios (2000) classical conditioning can be used to improve students academic performance by associating their work environment with positivity through the use of positive stimuli (bright work displays etc.)
• McAllister et al (1969) found that when teachers praised disapproval of inappropriate talking, there was a decrease in the use of it, shows operant conditioning is effective for decreasing undesirable behaviours.

Question 8

Social implications for theme two?

Answer 8

An overall bettered educated society due to increased concentration and higher attainments therefor, better occupations and workers and economy.

Question 9

Theme two : conditioning at school
Argument against?

Answer 9

• Article from psychology today says conditioning encourages children to behave positively but only for a reward in return therefor rewards intrinsic motivation.
• Deci (1971) told one half of participants they would be paid for completing puzzle, but not the other half. The first were more motivated to complete the puzzle, therefor positive reinforcement not always effective.

Question 10

Social implications against theme two?

Answer 10

Creates people in society whom are only motivated to complete work, etc when receiving a reward, no intrinsic motivation therefor less workers and negative impact on economy.

Question 11

Theme three : effectiveness of conditioning
Arguments for?

Answer 11

• Lovit (1968) conditioning helps by designing clear goals and creating procedures to reach these goals for children with special needs whom may struggle to follow orders.
• Aversion therapy has clear results to show that it has treat phobias and addictions.

Question 12

Social implication of for theme three?

Answer 12

Reduction of undesirable behaviours means less crime rates and therefor a safer bettered society.

Question 13

Theme three : effectiveness of conditioning
Arguments against?

Answer 13

• Morris (2014) conditioning creates long term emotional effects as children are unable reflect on their behaviours or verbalise feelings which has a negative effect on development and may cause trauma.
• Leperetal (1973) research the promise of rewards may demotivated children, meaning a lack of focus therefor highlighting the negatives of extrinsic values.

Question 14

Social implication of against theme three?

Answer 14

Damages to children’s development from conditioning may lead to mental health issues and therefor less workers and inability to function properly and independently in society.

Question 15

Conclusion?

Answer 15

• Conditioning is the basis of learning allowing a child to function within society.
• However is it ethical to manipulate children’s behaviours using incentives.
• Free will?