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Questions and Answers
When did behaviorism emerge and why?
Behaviorism emerged in the early 1900s as a reaction to depth psychology and other traditional forms of psychology, which often had difficulty making predictions that could be tested experimentally.
What is behaviorism?
Behaviorism is a systematic approach to understanding the behavior of humans and other animals, assuming that behavior is a consequence of individual history, reinforcement, punishment contingencies, motivational state, and controlling stimuli.
What did Edward Thorndike pioneer?
Edward Thorndike pioneered the law of effect, a procedure that involved the use of consequences to strengthen or weaken behavior.
What does behaviorism primarily focus on?
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What are the two assumptions of behaviorism about behavior?
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What are the two primary factors that behaviorists believe influence behavior?
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What role does heredity play in behaviorism?
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What was the law of effect pioneered by Edward Thorndike and what did it involve?
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What was behaviorism's reaction to traditional forms of psychology?
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What environmental events do behaviorists primarily focus on?
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Study Notes
Emergence of Behaviorism
- Behaviorism emerged as a reaction to traditional forms of psychology in the early 20th century.
Definition of Behaviorism
- Behaviorism is a school of psychology that focuses on observable behavior, dismissing the study of consciousness and the unconscious mind.
Contributions of Edward Thorndike
- Edward Thorndike pioneered the law of effect, which states that behaviors that are followed by a satisfying consequence will be strengthened, while behaviors followed by an unsatisfying consequence will be weakened.
Primary Focus of Behaviorism
- Behaviorism primarily focuses on observable behavior, rather than on thoughts, feelings, or motivations.
Assumptions of Behaviorism
- Behaviorism assumes that behavior is a result of environmental factors, and that behavior can be studied scientifically.
- Behaviorism also assumes that behavior can be changed through environmental manipulation.
Influential Factors
- Behaviorists believe that behavior is influenced by two primary factors: environment and experience.
Role of Heredity
- Behaviorism downplays the role of heredity in shaping behavior, instead emphasizing the importance of environmental factors.
Law of Effect
- The law of effect, pioneered by Edward Thorndike, involves the strengthening or weakening of behaviors based on their consequences.
Reaction to Traditional Psychology
- Behaviorism reacted against traditional forms of psychology, which focused on the study of consciousness and the unconscious mind.
Environmental Events
- Behaviorists primarily focus on environmental events that can be observed and measured, such as stimuli and responses.
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Description
Test your knowledge of behaviorism with this quiz! Explore the key concepts and principles of behaviorism, including reflexes, stimuli, reinforcement, and punishment. Challenge yourself to understand the systematic approach to studying human and animal behavior.
