Behaviorism Focuses on Making Psychology an Objective Science
What is Behaviorism?
Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology that emphasizes the study of behavior without looking at mental processes. It was first proposed by John B. Watson in 1913 and is often associated with B.F. Skinner’s radical behaviorism. Behaviorism focuses on the idea that behavior can be studied and measured objectively, without getting into the complexities of the mind.
The Goals of Behaviorism
The goal of behaviorism is to make psychology an objective science. This means that it seeks to study behavior in a systematic and scientific way, without relying on subjective interpretations or assumptions about the inner workings of the mind. Behaviorism attempts to understand behavior by breaking it down into smaller, measurable components.
The Principles of Behaviorism
Behaviorism is based on a few key principles. First, behavior is determined by its environment. This means that behavior is shaped by the external factors that influence it, such as rewards and punishments. Second, behavior can be modified through reinforcement. This means that behavior can be changed by giving rewards for desired behaviors, or punishments for unwanted behaviors.
Behaviorism in Action
Behaviorism is often used in psychology to study and modify behavior, particularly in clinical settings. It is commonly used in therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which focuses on changing maladaptive behaviors by teaching more adaptive ones. Behaviorism is also used in educational settings, as it can be used to modify behaviors in students to help them learn more effectively.
Conclusion
Behaviorism is a school of thought in psychology that focuses on making psychology an objective science by studying behavior without getting into the complexities of the mind. It is based on the idea that behavior is determined by its environment and can be modified through reinforcement. Behaviorism is often used in clinical and educational settings in order to modify behavior.
