Outline the behavioural approach.

Compare the behaviourist approach with the

biological approach.

AO1- WE KNOW THIS DW (WE HOPE SO….)

One similarity between the behavioural and biological approach is that they take a
deterministic approach by suggesting that that external forces influence our
behaviour rather than free will. The behaviourist approach is environmentally
determinist as it believes that the behaviours that we exhibit are due to past
conditioning rather than due to our own actions. Similarly, the biological approach is
biologically determinist, in the sense that, it sees human behaviour as governed by
our internal biological processes that we have no control over. As a result, there has
been a lot of criticism for both approaches as free will is not taken into
consideration.

Another similarity between the two approaches is that they have real life application.
The behaviourist approach as allowed for the development of the token economy
system which has led to improvements within prisons and treating schizophrenic
patients. Through the use of operant conditioning, we are able to reinforce desirable
behaviour that could possibly benefit patients. Similarly, the biological approach has
allowed for the establishment of drug treatments such as antidepressants. These
treatments may not work for all people; however, they have revolutionised treatment
for many people suffering from mental disorders that affect their everyday life.
Therefore, this is a strength for both approaches as it allows for people to live quality
lives.

However, they differ in stances in the nature and nurture debate. Whilst, the
behaviourist approach supports the nurture side of the debate, the biological
approach supports the nature side of the debate. Behaviourists believe that we are
conditioned and reinforced into the behaviours that we portray rather than any
internal processes. On the other hand, the biologists believe that it is the genetic
makeup and expression of the genotype that can have an effect on our behaviour as
well as having an evolutionary basis rather than being controlled by environmental
factors. It can still, however, be understood that human behaviour is a result of the
complex interactions of both biological factors and the environment. Therefore,
neither the biological or behaviourist approach offers a complete explanation of
behaviour.