Behaviourist, Social Learning and Cognitive Approaches

The Behaviourist Approach focuses purely on observable behaviour. It assumes we're born as 'blank slates' with all behaviour learned from our environment through conditioning. Its scientific lab experiments offer strong validity by eliminating external variables, leading to practical applications like desensitisation therapy for phobias. However, critics argue it's reductionist, ignoring biological and cognitive influences.

Social Learning Theory expands on behaviourism by recognising we learn through observation and imitation within social contexts. Four key concepts drive this theory: imitation (copying observed behaviours), identification (imitating role models we relate to), vicarious reinforcement (seeing others rewarded), and cognitive mediators (attention, retention, reproduction and motivation). Bandura's famous Bobo Doll experiment demonstrated children readily imitate aggressive behaviours they observe, especially from same-sex models.

Remember this! Classical conditioning involves learning through association (like Pavlov's dogs salivating at a bell), while operant conditioning involves learning through consequences (like Skinner's rats pressing levers for rewards).

The Cognitive Approach investigates internal mental processes like thinking and memory. Though these processes aren't directly observable, scientists make logical inferences based on controlled experiments. This approach introduced important concepts like schemas (mental frameworks that help process information) and uses models like the human-computer analogy. While highly scientific and applicable (e.g., Beck's cognitive therapy for depression targeting negative thoughts about self, world and future), critics argue it reduces humans to machines and doesn't fully account for emotions.

Each approach offers valuable insights while demonstrating psychology's evolution from studying only observable behaviour to recognising the importance of both internal processes and social influences on human behaviour.