Behaviourist Approaches to Learning

Overview

Behaviourist approaches to learning focus on observable behaviours and how they are learned through interactions with the external environment. Two key behaviourist approaches are classical conditioning and operant conditioning. These approaches emphasize the role of environmental stimuli and consequences in shaping behaviour.

KEY TAKEAWAY: Behaviourist approaches prioritize observable behaviours and external factors in learning, downplaying internal mental processes.

Classical Conditioning

Definition

Classical conditioning is a type of learning that occurs through the involuntary association of a neutral stimulus with an unconditioned stimulus to produce a conditioned response. It was pioneered by Ivan Pavlov.

Three-Phase Process of Classical Conditioning

1. Before Conditioning

   • Unconditioned Stimulus (UCS): A stimulus that naturally and automatically triggers a response.
     • Example: Food
   • Unconditioned Response (UCR): The natural and automatic response to the unconditioned stimulus.
     • Example: Salivation in response to food
   • Neutral Stimulus (NS): A stimulus that initially elicits no specific response other than focusing attention.
     • Example: Bell

2. During Conditioning

   • The neutral stimulus (NS) is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus (UCS).
     • Example: The bell is repeatedly presented before the food.
   • This pairing leads to an association between the two stimuli.

3. After Conditioning

   • The neutral stimulus (NS) becomes the conditioned stimulus (CS), which now triggers a response.
     • Example: The bell alone now triggers salivation.
   • Conditioned Stimulus (CS): An originally neutral stimulus that, after association with an unconditioned stimulus, comes to trigger a conditioned response.
     • Example: Bell
   • Conditioned Response (CR): The learned response to a previously neutral (but now conditioned) stimulus.
     • Example: Salivation in response to the bell

Summary Table

EXAM TIP: Be able to identify the UCS, UCR, NS, CS, and CR in given scenarios. Pay attention to what happens before, during, and after the conditioning process.

Operant Conditioning

Definition

Operant conditioning is a type of learning where behaviour is strengthened if followed by a reinforcer or diminished if followed by a punisher. It focuses on how consequences influence voluntary behaviours. B.F. Skinner is a key figure in operant conditioning.

Three-Phase Process of Operant Conditioning

1. Antecedent

   • The environmental stimulus or situation that precedes the behaviour. It sets the stage for the behaviour to occur.
     • Example: A teacher asks a question in class.

2. Behaviour

   • The voluntary response that occurs in the presence of the antecedent stimulus.
     • Example: A student raises their hand and answers the question correctly.

3. Consequence

   • The event that follows the behaviour, which determines whether the behaviour is more or less likely to occur in the future.
     • Example: The teacher praises the student for answering correctly.

Reinforcement

Reinforcement is any event that strengthens or increases the likelihood of a behaviour occurring again.

• Positive Reinforcement: Adding a pleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour.
  • Example: Giving a child a sticker for completing their homework.
• Negative Reinforcement: Removing an unpleasant stimulus to increase a behaviour.
  • Example: Taking away chores when a teenager gets good grades. Note: This is NOT punishment.

Punishment

Punishment is any event that weakens or decreases the likelihood of a behaviour occurring again.

• Positive Punishment: Adding an unpleasant stimulus to decrease a behaviour.
  • Example: Giving a child extra chores for misbehaving.
• Negative Punishment: Removing a pleasant stimulus to decrease a behaviour.
  • Example: Taking away a child’s screen time for misbehaving.

Summary Table

COMMON MISTAKE: Students often confuse negative reinforcement and punishment. Remember, reinforcement always increases the likelihood of a behaviour, while punishment always decreases it. Negative reinforcement involves removing something unpleasant.

VCAA FOCUS: VCAA often presents scenarios and asks you to identify the type of reinforcement or punishment being used. Ensure you understand the difference between positive/negative and reinforcement/punishment.

STUDY HINT: Create your own examples of classical and operant conditioning to solidify your understanding. Think about how these principles apply in your daily life.