What is Behaviorism?

Summary

Behaviorism, also known as behavioral psychology, is a theory of learning that focuses on how behaviors are acquired through interactions with the environment. It emphasizes observable stimulus-response behaviors, studied systematically and empirically. Initiated by John Watson in 1913, behaviorism posits that behavior is learned through classical or operant conditioning, collectively termed learning theory. It views the mind as a 'blank slate' at birth, shaped entirely by environmental factors. Behaviorism asserts that psychology should be an objective science, using controlled observation and measurement to predict and control behavior.

Takeaways

• 🧠 Behaviorism is also known as behavioral psychology.
• 🌱 It is a theory of learning that suggests all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment, via conditioning.
• 🎯 Behavior is considered a response to a specific stimulus, focusing on observable stimulus-response behaviors.
• 📜 The behaviorist movement began in 1913 with John Watson's article, 'Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It.'
• 🔬 Behaviorism emphasizes environmental factors in influencing behavior, minimizing the role of innate or inherited factors.
• 📚 Learning occurs through classical or operant conditioning, collectively referred to as learning theory.
• 📝 Behaviorists believe that at birth, the mind is a 'tabula rasa,' or blank slate.
• 🔍 Psychology, according to behaviorists, should be viewed as a science, requiring empirical data supported by careful observation and measurement.
• 🔑 Watson emphasized that psychology should focus on prediction and control of behavior through objective experimentation.
• 🧪 Theories in behaviorism should use operational definitions that focus on observable and measurable events.

Q & A

What is behaviorism?

Behaviorism is a theory of learning that states all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment via conditioning.

How do behaviorists explain behavior?

Behaviorists explain behavior as a response to a particular stimulus, and they focus only on observable behaviors that can be systematically studied.

When did the behaviorist movement begin and who started it?

The behaviorist movement began in 1913, initiated by John Watson when he wrote an article titled 'Psychology as the Behaviorist Views It.'

What is the basic assumption of behaviorism?

The basic assumption of behaviorism is that all behavior is learned from the environment, emphasizing the influence of environmental factors over innate or inherited ones.

What are the two main types of conditioning in behaviorism?

The two main types of conditioning in behaviorism are classical conditioning and operant conditioning, which are collectively known as learning theory.

What does the term 'tabula rasa' mean in the context of behaviorism?

'Tabula rasa' means 'blank slate,' referring to the idea that when humans are born, their minds are like a blank slate, shaped by environmental influences.

Why do behaviorists focus on observable behavior?

Behaviorists focus on observable behavior because they believe psychology should be an objective science, relying on empirical data from measurable and observable events.

What did John Watson believe about the goals of psychology?

John Watson believed that psychology, as an objective experimental branch of natural science, should aim for the prediction and control of behavior.

Why do behaviorists use operational definitions?

Behaviorists use operational definitions to ensure that variables are defined in terms of observable and measurable events, making theories as simple and clear as possible.

How does behaviorism view the role of innate or inherited factors?

Behaviorism largely excludes innate or inherited factors, emphasizing that behavior is learned through interactions with the environment.