Behaviorism

Definition

Behaviorism is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the study of observable behaviors and dismisses internal mental processes as subjects of scientific inquiry. It focuses on how behaviors are learned and reinforced through interactions with the environment, leading to the idea that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. This perspective significantly influenced research methods and theories in psychology, ultimately paving the way for the Cognitive Revolution and reshaping views on human cognition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behaviorism emerged in the early 20th century with key figures like John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner who argued that psychology should focus solely on observable behaviors.
2. The behaviorist approach led to the development of various techniques for modifying behavior, including behavior modification programs used in educational and therapeutic settings.
3. Critics of behaviorism argue that it neglects the importance of mental states, emotions, and cognitive processes in understanding human behavior.
4. The rise of cognitive psychology in the mid-20th century was partly a reaction to behaviorism, leading to a renewed focus on internal mental processes.
5. Behaviorism played a crucial role in shaping experimental research methods, emphasizing the importance of controlled conditions and objective measurement in psychological studies.

Review Questions

• How did behaviorism challenge previous psychological theories and shape the field of psychology?
  • Behaviorism challenged previous psychological theories by rejecting introspection and focusing solely on observable behaviors. This approach marked a departure from earlier schools of thought that prioritized subjective experiences. As a result, behaviorism emphasized empirical research methods and encouraged psychologists to study behaviors in controlled settings, laying groundwork for future developments in psychological science.
• Discuss how classical and operant conditioning are fundamental to understanding behaviorism's principles.
  • Classical conditioning involves learning through association, where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a significant one, while operant conditioning focuses on how behaviors are influenced by their consequences—reinforcements or punishments. Together, these principles highlight how behavior can be shaped and modified through environmental interactions, providing key insights into how learning occurs within a behaviorist framework.
• Evaluate the impact of the Cognitive Revolution on behaviorism and its lasting influence on contemporary psychology.
  • The Cognitive Revolution significantly impacted behaviorism by introducing the idea that internal mental processes could also be studied scientifically. This shift led to a more integrated understanding of human behavior that includes cognitive functions alongside observable actions. While behaviorism remains influential in fields like education and therapy, cognitive psychology now encompasses a broader perspective that recognizes the importance of thoughts, feelings, and mental representations in shaping behavior.

Related terms

Classical Conditioning: A learning process that occurs through associations between an environmental stimulus and a naturally occurring stimulus, famously demonstrated by Ivan Pavlov.

Operant Conditioning: A method of learning that occurs through rewards and punishments for behavior, largely developed by B.F. Skinner.

Cognitive Psychology: A branch of psychology that studies mental processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving, often seen as a reaction against behaviorism.