Objectives you should be able to: Define a theory/perspective To list behavioural approaches To describe classical conditioning To list therapies based on classical conditioning
THEORIES/PERSPECTIVES A THEORY IS AN ORGANISED COLLECTION OF RELATED STATEMENTS THAT SEEK TO EXPLAIN OBSERVED PHENOMENA
Psychological Perspectives Sigmund Freud Edward Thorndike Ivan Pavlov Albert Bandura
The Behaviourist Approach Behaviourists believe that all behaviour is learnt through the environment Behaviourists suggest we learn our behaviour through:- Classical conditioning Operant conditioning
The Behaviourist Approach – Classical Conditioning Discovered by Ivan Pavlov 1902, who was a Russian physiologist Classical conditioning suggest that all behaviour is learnt through ‘association’ Pavlov discovered this through his work with dogs (handout)
Pavlov’s Dogs – Classical Conditioning Before learning Food (UCS) Salivation (UCR) During Learning Bell (NS) + Food (UCS) Salivation (UCR) After Learning Bell (CS) Salivation (CR)
Classical Conditioning & the Development of Phobias Watson & Raynor (1920) – The case of little Albert https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hBfnXACsOI
Practical Applications in Therapeutic Situations Behaviour Therapies based on Classical Conditioning Systematic Desensitisation Flooding Aversion Therapy
Evaluation of classical conditioning Advantages of Behavioural Therapies Disadvantages of Behavioural Therapies
Ignores biology (e.g. testosterone) Strengths Limitations Scientific Highly applicable (e.g. therapy) Emphasises objective measurement Many experiments to support theories Identified comparisons between animals (Pavlov) and humans (Watson & Rayner - Little Albert) Ignores biology (e.g. testosterone) Too deterministic (little free-will) Experiments – low ecological validity Humanism – can’t compare animals to humans Reductionist