AQA Psychology AS/A2
3.2.1 Approaches in psychology
- Learning approaches: the behaviourist approach, including classical conditioning and Pavlov’s research, operant conditioning, types of reinforcement and Skinner’s research
In Animal Behaviour – chimpanzee case study, students will explore the reasons why we consider certain animals “intelligent” or “not intelligent”, and the theories surrounding how animals learn. They will discover how ZSL uses the science of learning behaviours to benefit animal welfare at the zoo and will carry out a behaviour study of a member of our chimp troup to understand how this information is useful both to our keepers and those working on the conservation of animals out in the field.
Please note, this workshop takes place outside. Please ensure students wear appropriate clothing and footware.
| Age: Post 16 | Duration: 60mins | Capacity: 35 students | Outdoor workshop |
Intended learning outcomes:
Students will be able to:
- Collect behavioural data
- Give examples of different species' learning ability
- Demonstrate the different behaviours that can be assessed using an ethogram
- Discuss how ZSL uses operant conditioning to benefit the welfare of the chimpanzees at the Zoo
- Demonstrate how we use the data collected into applying changes in the Zoo
Additional resources:
- Support your students' learning before, during or after a visit with our online teaching resources.
