Question 1

What is the difference between classical and operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Classical conditioning involves learning through association between two stimuli, where a neutral stimulus becomes linked to an involuntary response (e.g., salivation). Operant conditioning involves learning through consequences of voluntary behaviour, where actions are strengthened by reinforcement or weakened by punishment. In short, classical conditioning is about reflexive responses, while operant conditioning is about goal-directed behaviour.

Question 2

How does social learning theory explain aggression?

Accepted Answer

Bandura's social learning theory suggests aggression is learned through observing and imitating role models, especially if the model is rewarded (vicarious reinforcement). In the Bobo doll study, children who saw an adult being aggressive towards a doll were more likely to imitate that behaviour, particularly if the adult was praised. Mediational processes like attention and motivation determine whether the behaviour is reproduced.

Question 3

What is vicarious reinforcement in psychology?

Accepted Answer

Vicarious reinforcement occurs when an observer sees a model being rewarded for a behaviour, increasing the likelihood that the observer will imitate that behaviour. For example, if a student sees a classmate praised for answering a question, they may be more motivated to answer themselves. It is a key concept in social learning theory, highlighting that learning can occur without direct reinforcement.

Question 4

Can classical conditioning explain phobias?

Accepted Answer

Yes, classical conditioning can explain how phobias develop. For instance, in the Little Albert study, a neutral stimulus (a white rat) was paired with a loud, frightening noise (unconditioned stimulus), causing Albert to develop a fear of the rat (conditioned response). This shows that phobias can be learned through association. Treatments like systematic desensitisation use classical conditioning principles to unlearn phobias by pairing the feared stimulus with relaxation.

Question 5

What are the strengths and weaknesses of operant conditioning?

Accepted Answer

Strengths include its scientific rigour (controlled lab experiments) and practical applications (e.g., token economies in prisons, behaviour modification in classrooms). Weaknesses include ethical concerns (e.g., Skinner's use of deprivation in animals), reductionism (ignoring cognitive and biological factors), and limited generalisability from animal studies to humans. It also struggles to explain complex behaviours like language acquisition.

Question 6

How do I evaluate learning theories in an exam?

Accepted Answer

Use the 'PEEL' structure: make a clear point (e.g., 'One limitation is ethical issues'), provide evidence (e.g., 'In the Little Albert study, Watson conditioned fear in a baby without consent'), explain (e.g., 'This raises concerns about psychological harm and lack of protection'), and link back to the question (e.g., 'Therefore, classical conditioning may not be ethically justifiable'). Also compare theories, discuss real-world applications, and consider cultural or gender biases.

Topic 4: Learning theories

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Related Topics in EDEXCEL A-Level Psychology

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Topic 1: Social psychology

Topic 2: Cognitive psychology

Topic 3: Biological psychology

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