Learning Approach

Question 1

Assumptions/principles/ideas about human behaviour for BEHAVIOURISM

Answer 1

1. Humans are born as a blank slate.
2. All behaviour is learnt from the environment and therefore can be unlearnt.

Question 2

Feature one of behaviourism

Answer 2

Classical Conditioning
IVAN PAVLOV 1927 explained how behaviour is LEARNT through STIMULUS RESPONSE
ASSOCIATION.
In this form of learning a neutral stimulus (one that produces no response) is paired with an unconditioned
stimulus that produces an unconditioned response (this is automatic, not learnt).
If this pairing is repeated, then the individual will learn to associate the neutral stimulus with the
unconditioned stimulus.
Therefore, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus which creates the conditioned response
(this is learnt).

Question 3

Feature two of behaviourism

Answer 3

Operant Conditioning:
Operant conditioning is another way we can learn behaviour which emphasised the importance of
consequence – learning through REWARDS (REINFORCEMENT) and PUNISHMENT
SKINNER
Positive reinforcement – when a
reward is given for a behaviour, this
behaviour is encouraged/ reinforced,
so the behaviour is repeated to gain
the same reward.
Hungry rat placed in Skinner’s
box; every time the rat pressed
the lever the rat was rewarded
with food.
This behaviour was repeated as
the rat was conditioned to press
the lever through positive
reinforcement to get the same
pleasant outcome.
Negative reinforcement –
performing a behaviour to
remove/avoid an unpleasant
consequence so the behaviour is
repeated to avoid the unpleasant
consequence again.
Skinner ran an electrical current
across the floor which caused the
rat discomfort. The rat would
move around until it knocked the
lever. The lever would stop the
current; the rat would repeat this
behaviour as it had learned by
pressing the lever it would avoid
the unpleasant consequence of
pain.