...Describe and evaluate the behaviourist approach in psychology. Refer to evidence in the answer. [10 Marks] The behaviorist approach works on the assumption that behaviour is learned through experience and that we are born with no experience. The approach suggests that behaviours are learned through reinforcement that strengthens a behaviour and that all learning links to responding to a stimulus. It also assumes that the environment is the sole determining factor in behaviour. There are two main theories that fall under the behaviourist approach: classical and operant conditioning. Classical conditioning was developed by psychologist, Ivan Pavlov. Pavlov adopted the idea of stimulus response and learning through association. Pavlov used a dog to show his theory. He noticed when the dog saw food it would salivate. He began giving the dog food ,the unconditioned stimulus, with a ringing bell, the conditioned stimulus. Eventually Pavlov was able to get a response from the dog when only ringing the bell which shows how the dog learnt to associate the bell with food. Operant conditioning was adopted by Fredric Skinner. His theory worked on the basis of reinforcing behaviors. The 3 main types of reinforcement are positive and negative reinforcement and punishment. Skinner used his ‘Skinner Box’ to show this theory. The Box consisted of a hungry rat and a lever.In positive reinforcement the rat is given food when it presses the lever. In negative reinforcement the rat is given an...
Words: 462 - Pages: 2
...Essay Describe and evaluate the behaviourist approach in psychology (10 marks) When psychologists look at behaviourism in the environment they look at the nature vs nurture argument where they argued that nurture for a child is more important that the nature of the child. Psychology approaches the fact that behaviour is more learnt from the environment than it is just born it to you. For example, you learnt that you have to get dressed every morning and not go out the house with nothing on as it is illegal. That is not born into you; you have to be taught it. However depending on the environment you are brought up in, psychologists say, depends on what you learnt and how you behave. The more you learn the less likely you are to commit a crime and the more likely you are to teach your own children that they should behave in life. The case study for The Batista Boys is an example of how nurture for children can be more powerful than nature. All 18 boys in the family had a condition where they were born appearing to be female. All of them were raised as females and it wasn’t until they hit puberty than the whole family knew any different. The boys all were raised as girls and they acted feminine until they found out the truth. This case study could prove that nature can be overruled by nature and that it is a lot more powerful than it seems. Psychologists, such as Pavlov, believe that animals can learn from classical conditioning in the environment. Pavlov classically conditioned...
Words: 1046 - Pages: 5
...The Behaviourist Approach 1a) Outline two assumptions of the Behaviourist Approach (4 marks) One assumption of the Behaviourist Approach is that they believe the environment influences behaviour. An example of this behaviour would be social learning theory were it is believed that we learn through observing and imitating models such as parents this is known as environmental determinism. Another assumption of the Behaviourist Approach is that they believe scientific methods should be used only to study behaviour which is observable. They believe mental behaviour cannot be objectively measured, so choose to only study actions that can be observed, e.g. the learning of aggression via lab experiments by ‘Bandura’. 1b) Describe the Social Learning Theory of Aggression (8 marks) The Social Learning Theory (SLT) is learning through observing and imitating models such as parents or people in the media. It is a behaviourist theory because it can be tested in a controlled environment (laboratory) and conclusions from observations can be drawn, and behaviourists say we learn from our environment. Bandura (1977) also claimed that for social learning to take place individuals must undergo four stages. The first one being attention, individuals will learn the Aggressive Behaviour if they observe the model’s behaviour. Secondly, retention, the behaviour must be remembered in order for the individual to apply it. The third stage is reproduction: individuals must be able to reproduce the...
Words: 1888 - Pages: 8
...* Psychology is a relatively new scientific discipline * Was once known as an experimental philosophy * Descartes introduced idea that the brain is not the same as the mind, mind and body are separate entities * John Locke’s concept of empiricism shows that knowledge is derived from sensory experience (senses) * Can be studied using the scientific method Wundt and Introspection: Evaluation: Key behaviourist psychologists: Pavlov & Watson * Unreliable method of investigation * Different participants provide different introspective reports about same stimulus. * Trained in introspection not very useful * Pavlov got reliable, reproducible results in experiments on animals and can be generalised to humans * Can’t study on children and animals due to limited vocab and can’t express feelings properly. * Animal thoughts can’t be studied * Learning, development, mental disorders & personality can’t investigate through introspection – questions validity of using introspection as a method for investigating human behaviour because it’s subjective (only his/her can report mental processes * For Watson, only way to make psychology a science is to emulate natural science and adopt its own objective methods * Psychologists often use it alongside other scientific methods to investigate. Key behaviourist psychologists: Pavlov & Watson * Unreliable method of investigation ...
Words: 2443 - Pages: 10
...Support Material GCE Psychology OCR Advanced GCE in Psychology: H568 Unit: G544 This Support Material booklet is designed to accompany the OCR Advanced GCE specification in Psychology for teaching from September 2008. Contents Contents 2 Introduction 3 Scheme of Work - Psychology : H568 : G544 5 Lesson Plans - Psychology : H568 : G544 27 Other forms of Support 35 Introduction Background A new structure of assessment for A Level has been introduced, for first teaching from September 2008. Some of the changes include: • The introduction of stretch and challenge (including the new A* grade at A2) – to ensure that every young person has the opportunity to reach their full potential • The reduction or removal of coursework components for many qualifications – to lessen the volume of marking for teachers • A reduction in the number of units for many qualifications – to lessen the amount of assessment for learners • Amendments to the content of specifications – to ensure that content is up-to-date and relevant. OCR has produced an overview document, which summarises the changes to Psychology. This can be found at www.ocr.org.uk, along with the new specification. In order to help you plan effectively for the implementation of the new specification...
Words: 6449 - Pages: 26
...The role of theory in research Division for Postgraduate Studies (DPGS) Post-graduate Enrolment and Throughput Program Dr. Christopher E. Sunday Outline Some definitions of ‘theory’. Some characteristics of ‘theory’. Theories vs. hypotheses. How to evaluate the quality of a theory or explanation. The dynamic relationship between theory and research. Deductive theory. Inductive theory. Example of theories relevant to a particular research question. Theories and findings related to second language learning. The Behaviourist Approach The Cognitive Approach Linguistic Universals Social Models The Humanist Approach Some definitions of ‘theory’ Theory is a model or framework for observation and understanding, which shapes both what we see and how we see it. Theory allows the researcher to make links between the abstract and the concrete; the theoretical and the empirical; thought statements and observational statements etc. Theory is a generalised statement that asserts a connection between two or more types of phenomena – any generalised explanatory principle. Theory is a system of interconnected abstractions or ideas that condenses and organises knowledge about the world. Theory explains and predicts the relationship between variables. Some characteristics of ‘theory’ Theory guides research and organises its ideas. The analogy of bricks lying around haphazardly...
Words: 1954 - Pages: 8
...Evaluate the claim that Person Centred Therapy offers the therapist all that he/she will need to treat clients This essay will evaluate the claim that Person- Centred Therapy (PCT) offers the therapist all that he or she will need to treat clients. I will define PCT, its origins and the theoretical constructs and philosophical influences that set it apart from other psychological theories, as well as explore how its founder viewed personality development, and psychological disorders. I will then weigh up the strengths and weaknesses of PCT, drawing upon criticisms by other writers, in order to conclude whether or not it can be used as a stand-alone tool for all clients. Person-Centred Therapy is also know as Client-Centred Therapy, or the Rogerian approach after its founder, Carl Rogers (1902 – 1987), who was an influential American psychologist and one of the founders of humanistic psychology. Developed in the 1950s, PCT is a non-directive form of psychotherapy within the humanistic approach, which is itself often referred to as the third force of psychology – the first two being psychoanalysis and behaviourism. In addition to humanistic philosophy, Rogers was influenced by existentialism, or free will, and phenomenology, or human judgement and emotion. Self-actualisation: Person Centred Therapy centres around the belief that human beings have one basic tendency, and that is to “actualize, maintain and enhance” (Rogers, 1951, p487). Person-Centred Therapy is therefore...
Words: 2857 - Pages: 12
...Health & Clinical Psychology Healthy Living Stress Dysfunctional Behaviour Disorders [pic] [pic] [pic] Contents • Objectives for the Health and Clinical Psychology module 6 • What is Health Psychology? Careers in Health Psychology 7 • Unit G543: Health and Clinical Psychology 8 • Exemplar exam paper 9 PART A – INFORMATION TO HELP EVALUATE STUDIES • Evaluation sheet for the theories/studies of Health Psychology 10 • Guide for answering part A & part B exam questions 11 PART B – HEALTHY LIVING • Introduction to Healthy Living 14 • Theories of Health Belief 17 • Compliance with a Medical Regime for Asthma (Becker 1978) 18 • Internal versus External Locus of Control (Rotter 1966) 21 • Analysis of Self-Efficacy Theory of Behavioural Change (Bandura and Adams 1977) 23 • Summary of the health belief theories 26 • Comprehension questions for theories of health belief 27 • Part A exam question 28 • Part B exam question 29 • Evaluation sheet of health belief theories/studies 30 Introduction to Health Promotion 31 • Theories of Health Promotion • Chip pan fire prevention (Cowpe 1983) 32 • Legislation-Bicycle helmet laws and educational campaigns (Dannenberg et al. 1993) 34 • Effects of Fear arousal (Janis & Feshbeck 1953) 37 • Summary of the health...
Words: 32290 - Pages: 130
...An analysis of research and literature on CREATIVITY IN EDUCATION Report prepared for the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority by Anna Craft March 2001 2 Contents Page Numbers 1.0 Introduction 1.1 Aims and purposes 1.2 Approach taken and areas covered 4 2.0 A summary of the research and literature on creativity 2.1 Historical overview 2.2 The early part of the twentieth century 2.3 More recent directions in creativity research 2.4 Lines of study stemming from the 1950s 2.4.1 Personality 2.4.2 Cognition 2.4.3 Ways to stimulate creativity 2.4.4 Creativity and social systems 2.5 Background to creativity in education 2.6 Broader claims for creativity in the curriculum 5-12 3.0 What do we mean by creativity? 3.1 Definitions or descriptions of creativity 3.2 High creativity 3.3 Ordinary, or ‘democratic’ creativity 13-15 4.0 The development of creativity in education 4.1 Research into the development of creativity in education 4.1.1 Comprehensive approaches 4.1.2 Educational approaches 4.1.3 Psychodynamic approaches 4.1.4 Humanistic approaches 4.1.5 Behaviourist approaches 4.2 Teaching approaches to developing creativity 4.2.1 ‘Creative cycle’ approaches 4.2.2 Single-strategy approaches 4.2.3 Multi-strategy approaches 4.2.4 System approaches 4.2.5 Overall pedagogic criteria approaches 16-22 3 5.0 Assessment and creativity 5.1 Recording and assessing creativity 23-24 6.0 Conclusions and key findings 6.1 High and democratic creativity ...
Words: 11902 - Pages: 48
...Albert Bandura – Social Learning Theory Social Learning Theory is also called observational learning. This learning is proving that learning is a cognitive process that takes place in a social context and can occur purely through observation or direct instruction, even in the absence of motor reproduction or direct Albert Bandura says that people learn from 3 different strategies and they are; Observation, Imitation and modelling; a saying for this is ‘monkey see, monkey do’ because ‘children see’ and ‘children do’. This saying explains everything in 4 simple words. Bandura’s social learning theory explains human behaviour in cognitive, behavioural and environmental influences. Everyone and everything around us has an impact on how we all behave. Bandura particularly focused on how aggression progresses in children. Bandura says that childrens behaviour is influenced and learned by observing whats going on around them in the environment that they are in. Children also observe the way people behave around others and are influenced by them in good ways and bad ways, this is shown by the bobo doll experiment. Children are especially influenced by the role models in this society, at first they will observe everything they do such as their behaviour and further down the line they will start to copy what they do and reinact it themselves. Sometimes this could be a good thing sometime this could be a bad thing. He also looks at how we are affected by the rewards and punishments...
Words: 8024 - Pages: 33
...Psychology G544 Revision Notes Psychology G544 Section A Revision Notes Hypothesis Experimental hypothesis – predicts the effect of the IV on the DV. Operationalised hypothesis – shows how variables are going to be tested, by describing them. Null hypothesis – states that there will be no effect of the IV on the DV. One tailed hypothesis – predicts the direction in which results are expected to occur (directional) ie, revision improves exam performance. Two tailed hypothesis – states there is some kind of difference between two events (non-directional) ie, revision will affect exam performance. Experiments Independent variable – the variable that you manipulate (cause) Dependent variable – the variable that you measure (effect) Experimental design |Design |Repeated measures |Independent measures |Matched pairs | |Explanation |Performance of participants in one condition |Performance of participants in one condition |Participants in each condition matched to eac| | |compared with performance of the same |compared with performance of different |other on variables, such as age, sex, IQ, etc| | |participants in another condition |participants in another condition |(so it’s like they are the same person in | | ...
Words: 10039 - Pages: 41
...Gibbs Reflective Assignment On Non-Verbal Communication With A Patient With Demenita Introduction This assignment is a reflective account of my first experience when assisting a patient to eat lunch. For the purpose of this assignment I will refer to this patient as Mrs C to maintain confidentiality and comply with the NMC code (2008). It will discuss the importance of non-verbal communication when providing effective nursing care to the elderly. Description Thoughts and Feelings Evaluation I felt this first experience was very rewarding and a big learning curve for me in caring for others. I was delighted that I had been able to support Mrs C to eat nearly all of her meal which she clearly enjoyed. The ‘protected mealtime’ policy ensured that I had time to dedicate to assist her and as she did not have the ability to feed herself, without my help she would have eaten very little or nothing at all. In order to communicate with Mrs C, I modified the usual rules of communication. I did not speak to Mrs C in an inappropriate way or use elder talk which may have damaged her self esteem and confidence (Argle 1994). I talked to her as I would address any adult but put more emphasis on non-verbal communication which according to Caris Verhallen (1999) is the main way in which humans communicate, in order for her to receive my message, extract the meaning and give me feedback. By holding Mrs C’ gaze I was maintaining communication and encouraging engagement and interaction...
Words: 7488 - Pages: 30
...Contents 1. Abstract 1 2. Introduction 2 3. Methodology 10 3.1. Design 10 3.2. Participants 10 3.3 Materials 10 3.4. Procedure 11 3.5. Ethics 12 4. Results 13 5. Discussion 21 6. Conclusion 25 7. References 26 Appendix 1. The questionnaire 30 Appendix 2. Introversion Scale Scoring 39 Appendix 3. Locus of Control Scoring 40 Appendix 4. Picture-Frustration Test Scoring 41 1. Abstract The present study contributes to the understanding of the causalities of conflicting behaviour in adult males and females. The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between tendency to be involved in social conflicts (conflict potential) and locus of control beliefs (two types: intermal/external) as well as two types of typology (introversion/extraversion). Based on the previous studies (Holloran, Doumas, 1999; Benjamin, 1999; Williams and Vantress, 1969) it is hypothesised that that 1) there will be a significant difference between locus of control, extraversion and conflict potential; 2) introverts will score higher on group adaptation scale than extraverts; 3) externals will score lower on group adaptation scale than internals. Two more hypotheses derived from the earlier findings (Bookwala, Sabine and Zdaniuk, 2005; Harris and Bohnhoff, 1996): 4) the results will differ between age and gender groups; 5) with the increase of age the conflict potential will decrease. The findings of the study suggest that locus of control (β=-1.146, p<0.01) and...
Words: 10452 - Pages: 42
...TPS 101: INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY TPS 101 serves as the beginning course in psychology; as such, it is broad in scope. The course will introduce students to the history of psychology, and current paradigms and theories. We will cover neuroscience, sensation, perception, memory, and language, stress and health psychology, personality and social psychology, intelligence, and developmental psychology. Because of time limitations, none of these topics can be covered in great depth. The reference textbooks and the material presented in class will serve as the primary sources for the material to be covered. INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes. It is an academic and applied discipline involving the scientific study of mental processes and behaviour. Psychology also refers to the application of such knowledge to various spheres of human activity, including problems of individuals' daily lives and the treatment of mental illness. It is largely concerned with humans, although the behaviour and mental processes of animals can also be part of psychology research, either as a subject in its own right (e.g. animal cognition and ethnology), or somewhat more controversially, as a way of gaining an insight into human psychology by means of comparison (including comparative psychology). Origins of the psychology Near the end of 19th century things started drawing together. Questions raised by philosophers were being...
Words: 84844 - Pages: 340
...ROSKILDE UNIVERSITY 2005 HOMOSEXUALITY Joanna Barnecka Kinga Karp Mie Lollike Psychology, Modul Autumn Semester 2005 Group Number 107 Supervisor: Bettina Hjortholt Characters: 106.189 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................... 2 ABSTRACT .................................................................................................................. 2 MOTIVATION.............................................................................................................. 3 PROBLEM DEFINITION ............................................................................................... 4 CARDINAL QUESTION ................................................................................................ 4 SUB-QUESTIONS ......................................................................................................... 4 METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................... 5 INTRODUCTION TO THE TERM HOMOSEXUALITY .................................... 6 THEORETICAL BACKGROUNDS FOR UNDERSTANDING HOMOSEXUALITY................................................................................................... 9 HOMOSEXUALITY FROM A BEHAVIOURISTIC POINT OF VIEW ................................ 10 HOMOSEXUALITY FROM A BIOLOGICAL POINT OF VIEW ....................................... 16 HOMOSEXUALITY FROM A PSYCHODYNAMIC POINT OF VIEW....
Words: 16665 - Pages: 67
