Behaviourist Approach

    WJEC
    A-Level

    The Behaviourist Approach, dominant from the early to mid-20th century, rejects introspection in favour of strictly observable, measurable behaviour. It posits that all behaviour is learned through interaction with the environment (environmental determinism) via Classical and Operant Conditioning. This approach establishes Psychology as a rigorous science through controlled laboratory experimentation, primarily using non-human animals to derive general laws of learning (comparative psychology).

    5
    Objectives
    4
    Exam Tips
    4
    Pitfalls
    3
    Key Terms
    4
    Mark Points

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Pavlov's Dogs (1927) - Mechanism of Classical Conditioning
    • Skinner Box (1938) - Mechanism of Operant Conditioning
    • Watson & Rayner (1920) - 'Little Albert' and phobia induction
    • Reciprocal Inhibition - The physiological basis of Systematic Desensitisation
    • Variable Ratio Schedule - The specific reinforcement pattern for high resistance to extinction

    Example Examiner Feedback

    Real feedback patterns examiners use when marking

    • "You have defined the terms correctly; now apply them to the specific scenario provided in the stem"
    • "Differentiate clearly between the Neutral Stimulus before conditioning and the Conditioned Stimulus after conditioning"
    • "Your evaluation identifies a strength; expand this by explaining the consequence of this strength (e.g., leads to effective treatments like SD)"
    • "Avoid describing the procedure of the classic studies in too much detail; focus on the *findings* and what they prove about learning"

    Marking Points

    Key points examiners look for in your answers

    • Award AO1 marks for precise definition of Classical Conditioning terms: UCS, UCR, NS, CS, CR
    • Credit explanation of Operant Conditioning contingencies: Positive Reinforcement, Negative Reinforcement, Punishment
    • Candidates must link Systematic Desensitisation explicitly to the assumption of learning by association (Counter-conditioning)
    • Award AO3 marks for evaluation using Issues and Debates: Environmental Determinism, Scientific Methodology, and Nurture arguments

    Examiner Tips

    Expert advice for maximising your marks

    • 💡When describing assumptions, explicitly state 'All behaviour is learned from the environment' to ground the essay
    • 💡For AO2 application questions, quote the scenario directly to support your identification of the conditioning type
    • 💡In evaluation, use the 'PEEL' structure: Point, Evidence/Example, Explain (Why is this a strength/weakness?), Link back to the question
    • 💡Ensure the distinction between Systematic Desensitisation (Behaviourist) and Dream Analysis (Psychodynamic) is maintained if comparing approaches

    Common Mistakes

    Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

    • Conflating Negative Reinforcement (removing an aversive stimulus) with Punishment (introducing an aversive stimulus)
    • Failing to distinguish between the Unconditioned Response (innate) and the Conditioned Response (learned)
    • Describing the 'Little Albert' study without linking it to the induction of a phobia via Classical Conditioning
    • Generic evaluation stating 'it is scientific' without explaining *why* (e.g., objective, replicable, lab-based)

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    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    Likely Command Words

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