Behaviorism

Definition

Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviors rather than internal mental states, positing that all behaviors are acquired through conditioning. This approach emphasizes the role of the environment in shaping behavior, suggesting that learning occurs through interactions with external stimuli.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Behaviorism emerged in the early 20th century, with John B. Watson often credited as its founder, rejecting introspective methods in psychology.
2. B.F. Skinner expanded on behaviorist principles with his work on operant conditioning, demonstrating how rewards and punishments influence behavior.
3. Behaviorists argue that all human and animal behaviors can be understood by examining the environmental factors that elicit responses.
4. Unlike other psychological perspectives, behaviorism does not consider thoughts or emotions as essential to understanding behavior.
5. The theory has influenced various fields including education, therapy, and animal training by focusing on behavioral modification techniques.

Review Questions

• How does behaviorism differentiate between observable behaviors and internal mental states?
  • Behaviorism strictly focuses on observable behaviors that can be measured and quantified, arguing that internal mental states like thoughts and feelings are not necessary for understanding behavior. This perspective posits that only what can be seen and recorded should be studied scientifically. By dismissing introspective methods, behaviorists aim to create a more objective approach to psychology based on external stimuli and responses.
• Discuss the role of reinforcement in behaviorist theory and its implications for learning.
  • Reinforcement is crucial in behaviorist theory as it directly influences the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement involves providing a rewarding stimulus after a desired behavior, while negative reinforcement involves removing an unpleasant stimulus. This process helps establish habits and skills through repeated application of rewards or consequences, emphasizing that learning is largely driven by the environment's responses to actions.
• Evaluate how the principles of behaviorism can be applied in therapeutic settings compared to cognitive approaches.
  • In therapeutic settings, behaviorism focuses on modifying maladaptive behaviors through techniques like reinforcement and conditioning, providing a structured framework for clients to learn new behaviors. Unlike cognitive approaches that delve into thoughts and beliefs affecting emotions and behaviors, behaviorism aims for practical change through observable actions. This practical focus allows for measurable outcomes but may overlook deeper cognitive processes, leading to debates about the effectiveness of each approach in addressing complex psychological issues.

Related terms

Conditioning: A learning process in which an association is made between a stimulus and a response, commonly categorized into classical and operant conditioning.

Reinforcement: A consequence that follows a behavior, increasing the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future; can be positive or negative.

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