Strengths of Behaviourism
The behaviourist approach provides clear predictions. This means that it be scientifically tested and supported with evidence.
Real-life applications– Behaviourism is used in classroom management, training of all kinds, marketing, as well as therapy.
Emphasizes objective measurement– all actions are a result of stimulus-response association.
Identifies comparisons between animal behaviour (Pavlov) and human behaviour (Watson & Rayner – Little Albert)
Limitations of Behaviourism
Ignores mediational processes– Mediational processes are mental (cognitive) factors that intervene in the learning process to determine whether a new behaviour is acquired or not. The four mediational processes are 1) attention 2)retention 3) reproduction and 4) motivation.
Ignores biology– Does not take into account the biology of a human v/s an animal or even the differences amongst humans (for example- levels of certain hormones) on behaviour.
Too deterministic- Behaviourism simplifies all behaviour into stimulus-response associations and does not take into account factors like free will, intrinsic motivation and choices.
Reductionist- reduces and objectifies all human behaviour to one explanation of association as well as compares them to animal behaviour.
