Explain and Evaluate the Methodology Used by the Behavioural Approach

One of the main assumptions of the conductal approach is that human behaviour is shaped by our interactions with the environment. Therefore, behaviourists manipulate the environment to establish the try of certain behaviours. This is most commonly done using science laboratory experiments, as extraneous variables mess be controlled best in this environment and it is the most scientific method, for an approach which considers psychology to be a science.

Lab experiments are a scientific and intention method of establishing ca-ca and effect statements. One is a moot by Bandura (1961) in which the IV was whether the group observed hostile behaviour or not and the DV was whether vulturine behaviour was exhibited. The cause and effect statement was that watching aggressive behaviour leads to aggressive behaviour.

A strength of lab experiments is that as extraneous variables can be controlled, cause and effect statements can be make with a high rigourousness. Bandura was able to make his statement because his theatre of operations controlled extraneous variables, which wouldnt be accomplishable with other research methods.

A second strength is that lab experiments are replicable and countenance greater reliability. This it gives the methodology and the approach greater credibility.



This was found to be received in Banduras study, which is easily replicable.

A weakness of this method is its ethical issues. The experiments reinforce target behaviours in participants, establishing new behaviours. This breaks the ethical rule of thumb that states all pps should leave the study in the same ensure as when they entered. In Banduras study, the group that exhibited aggressive behaviour would have left the study with that behaviour reinforced in them.

A second weakness of the study is that demand characteristics affect the validity of the experiment, as the environment is more artificial compared to the pps natural environment. It is possible that the children in Banduras study were deliberately behaving...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



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