Discuss the contribution of behavioural psychologists such as Pavlov and Skinner to our understanding of human behaviour

Explanation: developed our understanding that human behaviour is (can be) learned, environmentally developed, and brought focus on to learning. Behavioural psychologists studied observable, measurable events creating the basis for a body of empirical and "objective", stimulus-response behaviours. The observational study of animals (Pavlov's dogs) developed data sets and Learning Theory applicable to all humans (Skinner). Learning Theory consists of operant and classical conditioning. Operant condition is a method of learning through rewards and punishments. Classical conditioning is a method of learning through association. Evaluation: Behaviourism as a reductionist theory - meaning it focuses on an incomplete explanation of human behaviour. Excludes any innate, genetic, inherited or inbuilt systems for explanation. Expects "blank slate" brain, contrasting with evolutionary theories of "modules". Scientific method goes from subjective obvservational studies using animals, to large scale objective empirical evidence. High validity created by high replicability. Ethically questionable - study of Baby Albert who was classically conditioned to fear mice (Skinner). High applicability in real life - behavioural therapy, and in classroom settings. However, also ethically questionable, as quoted by Skinner - "goal of psychology should be to predict and control behaviour."