What are the strengths and weaknesses of behavioral psychology?

Terms in this set (5)

  • STRENGTH: Scientific credibility.
  • STRENGTH: Real-life application.
  • WEAKNESS: Mechanistic view of behaviour.
  • WEAKNESS: Environmental determinism.
  • WEAKNESS: Ethical and practical issues in animal experiments.

What are strengths and weaknesses of the theory of utilitarianism?

STRENGTH: practically applicable. – utilitarianism can be applied in every situation as it uses common sense not special wisdom. UNDERMINED. WEAKNESS: integrity objection – not easy to apply. – act util does not always produce the most moral action even if it seems obvious.

What is a key weakness of utilitarianism?

Utilitarianism’s primary weakness has to do with justice. Utilitarianism seems to require punishing the innocent in certain circumstances, such as these. It is wrong to punish an innocent person, because it violates his rights and is unjust. But for the utilitarian, all that matters is the net gain of happiness.

What are the weaknesses of behaviourist theory?

Focuses too much on the ‘nurture’ side of the nature/nurture debate. It suggests that all behaviour is learned but cognitive and biological elements have been proved to affect behaviour. Ethical issues raised by using animals in experiments.

What are the strengths of behaviorist theory?

– Clearly stated objectives allow the learner to focus on one goal. – Cueing responses to behavior allows the learner to react in a predictable way under certain conditions. In a stressful situation like combat or flying a plane, cued responses can be a very valuable tool.

What are the strengths of behaviorist approach?

One strength is that the behaviourist approach is scientific in its methodology. This is a strength because scientific methods such as laboratory experiments allow great control over variables. This makes it easier for psychologists to establish a cause and effect relationship between variables.

What is the greatest strength of Utilitarianism?

This thought experiment is useful in considering the strengths and weaknesses of Utilitarianism. Let us first begin with the strengths of the theory. Perhaps the biggest strength of Utilitarianism is that it is, at least prima facie, easier to reach a conclusion under this theory than other theories.

What are the strengths of act utilitarianism?

Act utilitarianism has several advantages. For one thing, act utilitarianism is objective: It gives us a single answer to each moral problem without generating moral dilemmas, and it takes a kind of scientific approach to ethics. It is also impartial in that it doesn’t distinguish between individuals.

What are the negative effects of Utilitarianism?

List of the Cons of Utilitarianism

  • We do not consider any other element besides happiness.
  • It creates an unrealistic perspective for society.
  • Utilitarianism can be unpredictable.
  • It also relies on people making consistent decisions.
  • Utilitarianism relies on multiple definitions of happiness.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the cognitive approach?

The cognitive approach has a key advantage of practical and useful applications, but a key disadvantage of not being able to observe the supposed causes of behaviour. The scientific nature of the approach is one worthy of discussing as it can be both a strength and weakness, as is its reductionist nature.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of utilitarianism?

Integrity objection – Utilitarianism can require us to violate our most deeply held principles – Response: Integrity is not an absolute; some alienation might be necessary for the moral life Chapter 13: Strengths and Weaknesses of Utilitarianism (continued) 4. Justice objection

Is the moral theory of utilitarianism flawed?

The main principle of the utilitarian moral theory is not flawed. Our ability to accurately anticipate the course that results in the greatest overall happiness is limited and thus our execution of the theory is flawed. True, but…

What was the weakness of Mill’s utilitarian theory?

Mill himself fought for women’s rights, against slavery, and for fair labor practices, which is consistent with his utilitarian convictions. However, there are some weaknesses in this theory. Utilitarianism’s primary weakness has to do with justice.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of behaviorism?

Strengths of Behaviorism. Much has been said about the values of reinforcements like rewards, punishments, Premack principle and others when it comes to facilitating learning. In conclusion, when these techniques are properly used and considered, it will aid in learning things. Otherwise, it will be counter-productive.