Psychology Chapter on Behaviorism and Reflexes
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Psychology Chapter on Behaviorism and Reflexes

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Questions and Answers

What did Ivan Sechenov believe about the nature of behavior?

  • Behavior is a product of conscious thought.
  • Behavior can be entirely understood through introspection.
  • Only external stimuli can trigger behavior.
  • All behavior is reflexive and triggered by stimulation. (correct)

    • What is the significance of the Nobel Prize that Ivan Pavlov won?

  • It acknowledged his theories about evolutionary psychology.
  • It was awarded for his discovery of the unconscious mind.
  • It recognized his contributions to the field of physiology. (correct)
  • It honored his work in cognitive behavioral therapy.

    • What does the unconditioned response (UR) refer to in classical conditioning?

  • A response that can be extinguished.
  • A behavior dependent on verbal instruction.
  • A learned behavior.
  • An innate reflex triggered by a stimulus. (correct)

    • Which mechanism did Sechenov identify as important in human development?

    <p>Inhibitory control over reflexive behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Pavlov's discovery of the conditioned reflex impact psychology?

    <p>It laid the foundation for behaviorism and understanding learning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the error made in the early translation of Pavlov's work on reflexes?

    <p>Translating 'unconditioned' as 'conditioned'.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does frequency play in classical conditioning according to Pavlov?

    <p>Frequency strengthens the association between stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which approach to psychology did Sechenov advocate for?

    <p>The only valid approach was objective physiology.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What do the first-signal system signals indicate?

    <p>Biologically significant events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which best describes the second-signal system?

    <p>Utilizes symbols and language to represent events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was John B. Watson's stance on introspection in psychology?

    <p>It should be completely avoided</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What reaction did Watson face upon presenting his behavioristic views?

    <p>Critical and immediate backlash</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of Watson's objective psychology?

    <p>Prediction and control of behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the impact of Watson's scandal at Johns Hopkins University?

    <p>He resigned from his position</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which description aligns with Watson's view on the division between man and brute?

    <p>There is no dividing line in animal responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of behavior is categorized as explicit or overt behavior?

    <p>Talking and writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of learned behavior is characterized by an increased heart rate due to a feared stimulus?

    <p>Implicit (covert) learned behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of research focuses on observing behavior in its natural context without manipulation?

    <p>Naturalistic observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes Watson's stance on complex innate behavior patterns in humans?

    <p>Humans have only a few simple reflexes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Watson's theory, emotional responses in humans can be conditioned and counterconditioned through what process?

    <p>Environmental conditioning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept describes the idea that events become associated when they occur close together in time, leading to conditioned behavior?

    <p>Law of contiguity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Watson propose children should be educated regarding emotional expression?

    <p>In an objective manner with minimal affection</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following emotions did Watson believe are inherited and serve as the basis for all other emotions?

    <p>Fear, rage, and love</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What position concerning the mind-body problem did Watson eventually adopt?

    <p>Physical monism</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the outcome when a neutral stimulus (NS) becomes associated with an unconditioned stimulus (US)?

    <p>It develops the ability to elicit a conditioned response (CR).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the conditioned response (CR) when the conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US)?

    <p>It undergoes extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of classical conditioning, what does spontaneous recovery refer to?

    <p>Occasional reappearance of the conditioned response after extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Pavlov refer to as the 'cortical mosaic'?

    <p>The balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Experimental neurosis occurs when which two tendencies are in conflict?

    <p>Excitation and inhibition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following represents the process whereby a neutral stimulus gains the ability to elicit a response?

    <p>Conditioning</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario is an example of classical conditioning?

    <p>A dog salivates at the sound of a bell after it has been paired with food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reaction would likely be observed in experimental neurosis situations?

    <p>Deterioration in behavior under stimulus conflict</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism did Sechenov argue is responsible for the control of reflexive behavior in human development?

    <p>Inhibitory control</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of the conditioned reflex as discovered by Pavlov?

    <p>It depends on previous associations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the brain's activity at a given moment according to Pavlov?

    <p>Cortical mosaic</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What process occurs if a conditioned stimulus is presented without the unconditioned stimulus over time?

    <p>Extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In classical conditioning, what does the unconditioned stimulus (US) elicit?

    <p>An unconditioned response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle is highlighted in Pavlov's classical conditioning regarding the development of conditioned responses?

    <p>Law of contiguity and frequency</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which outcome describes the phenomenon when a conditioned response reappears after a period of no exposure to the conditioned stimulus?

    <p>Spontaneous recovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Sechenov, what is the relationship between internal and external behaviors?

    <p>They are both reflexive in nature.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of experimental neurosis, what occurs when excitatory and inhibitory tendencies conflict?

    <p>Behavioral rigidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying issue when a neutral stimulus is transformed into a conditioned stimulus?

    <p>Association with the unconditioned stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does Pavlov's concept of a conditioned reflex imply about the learning process?

    <p>Responses can be learned through repetitive association.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the expected response when a circle is rewarded and an ellipse is not, leading to potential behavioral conflict?

    <p>Confused behavioral response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term did Pavlov use to describe the reflex generated by a previously neutral stimulus after conditioning?

    <p>Conditioned response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the relationship when a neutral stimulus elicits a response similar to the unconditioned response?

    <p>Conditioned response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements is true regarding Pavlov's research on digestion?

    <p>He discovered that reflexes could be conditioned through external stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does classical conditioning illustrate when an originally neutral stimulus gains the ability to elicit a response?

    <p>Learning by association</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is distinguished from implicit learned behaviors in regards to human responses to feared stimuli?

    <p>Explicit unlearned behaviors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of research method focuses on direct observation of behavior without manipulation?

    <p>Naturalistic observation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which core belief aligns with Watson's view on human behavioral development?

    <p>Environment plays a critical role in shaping emotions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental emotion did Watson believe serves as the basis for all other emotions?

    <p>Fear</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept describes the phenomena where a neutral stimulus is paired closely in time with an unconditioned stimulus?

    <p>Law of contiguity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes the second-signal system in human psychology?

    <p>It involves responses to symbols rather than actual events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach did Watson advocate concerning child-rearing practices?

    <p>Raising children with minimal emotional displays</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which principle did Pavlov regard as fundamental to associationism's success?

    <p>Thorndike’s law of effect.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Watson conclude about the existence of mental events and consciousness?

    <p>They are not scientifically measurable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What fundamental goal did Watson state for psychology as a natural science?

    <p>Predicting and controlling behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Watson's perspective, what role does speech play in terms of behavior?

    <p>Speech is an implicit response to thoughts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of behavior does Watson classify as explicit or overt?

    <p>Clear, observable actions like talking and writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Watson's critics primarily respond to his behavioristic views during his early career?

    <p>They criticized his approach and attempted to persuade him otherwise.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant turning point in Watson's career that led him to resign?

    <p>An advertising scandal that compromised his reputation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes Watson's view on the role of introspection in psychology?

    <p>Introspection is irrelevant and not part of scientific methods.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach did Watson advocate regarding the division between humans and animals?

    <p>No dividing line exists between human and animal behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when a conditioned stimulus (CS) is presented without the unconditioned stimulus (US) over time?

    <p>Extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of experimental neurosis, what results from the conflict between excitatory and inhibitory tendencies?

    <p>Behavioral breakdown</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term describes the phenomenon when a previously extinguished conditioned response reappears after a certain time has passed?

    <p>Spontaneous Recovery</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary characteristic of a neutral stimulus (NS) before conditioning occurs?

    <p>It has no intrinsic value to the organism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is referred to by Pavlov as the 'cortical mosaic'?

    <p>The central nervous system's status at any time</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What results from the pairing of a neutral stimulus (NS) with an unconditioned stimulus (US) in classical conditioning?

    <p>The NS becomes a conditioned stimulus (CS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes the extinction process in conditioning?

    <p>It occurs only if the CS is presented without the US repeatedly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the conditioned response (CR) if the conditioned stimulus (CS) is not followed by the unconditioned stimulus (US) over time?

    <p>The CR will eventually become extinct.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the second-signal system in Russian objective psychology?

    <p>Language acting as symbols for events</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects the objective of Watson's behaviorism?

    <p>To establish psychology as an objective experimental branch of natural science</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which reaction did Watson experience following the presentation of his behavioristic views?

    <p>Critical and immediate backlash from his peers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept did Thorndike’s law of effect contribute to in associationism?

    <p>The significance of reinforcement in learning behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What ultimately led to Watson's resignation from Johns Hopkins University?

    <p>Controversy surrounding his extreme behavioristic views</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of behavior did Watson categorize as explicit or overt behavior?

    <p>Observable actions like talking and writing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Pavlov view the study of consciousness in psychology?

    <p>Through only scientifically based methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the theoretical goal of Watson's behaviorism?

    <p>To predict and control the behavior of organisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method of research focuses on gathering behavior samples rather than measuring personality or capacity?

    <p>Testing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Sechenov believe was crucial in the control of reflexive behavior development?

    <p>The gradual formation of inhibitory mechanisms</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of behavior is characterized by events that are associated in time leading to a learned response?

    <p>Conditioned behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the classical conditioning process as identified by Pavlov?

    <p>A conditioned response triggered by an unconditioned stimulus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Pavlov's experiments, what term refers to the response elicited solely by the conditioned stimulus?

    <p>Conditioned reflex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best reflects Watson's views on the emotional responses learned through conditioning?

    <p>Emotional responses can be learned and modified through experiences</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Watson, which of the following emotions is not believed to be inherited as a basis for other emotions?

    <p>Sadness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of behavior did Sechenov equate both internal mental processes and external acts to?

    <p>Mere reflexive actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion did Watson draw about the existence of mental events in his later position?

    <p>Mental events do not exist and are irrelevant</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did Pavlov's early work on digestion contribute to the concept of the conditioned reflex?

    <p>By revealing the connection between stimuli and physiological responses</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What behavior does Watson believe can be categorized as explicit or overt behavior?

    <p>Grasping or blinking actions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What eventual mistake was made during early translations of Pavlov's work?

    <p>Mistranslation of conditional reflex as conditioned reflex</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant principle explains that conditioning occurs based on the timing of events?

    <p>Law of contiguity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of contiguity relate to in classical conditioning according to Pavlov?

    <p>The requirement for stimuli to occur in temporal proximity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of reflex is triggered by an unconditioned stimulus in classical conditioning?

    <p>Unconditioned response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Watson's view, how should children be raised to foster emotional development?

    <p>In an objective manner with minimal emotional expression</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs when a conditioned stimulus is repeatedly presented without being followed by an unconditioned stimulus?

    <p>Conditioned response extinction occurs</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of classical conditioning, what is the significance of spontaneous recovery?

    <p>It revitalizes the conditioned stimulus after extinction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the cortical mosaic according to Pavlov?

    <p>The dynamic interplay of excitation and inhibition in the brain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What psychological phenomenon is indicated when an animal exhibits a breakdown in behavior due to conflicting stimuli?

    <p>Experimental neurosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to the neutral stimulus (NS) after it consistently elicits the unconditioned response (UR)?

    <p>It transforms into the conditioned stimulus (CS)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the interaction between excitatory and inhibitory processes in psychological responses?

    <p>They contribute to complex behavioral patterns</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary outcome when a conditioned stimulus is repeatedly paired with the unconditioned stimulus?

    <p>It triggers a conditioned response</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario exemplifies the concept of extinction in classical conditioning?

    <p>A cat no longer salivating at the sound of a can opener</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement accurately reflects Sechenov's view on behavior?

    <p>Both mental and physical actions are reflexive and triggered by external stimuli.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does frequency play in the development of conditioned responses according to Pavlov?

    <p>The more frequently the conditioned stimulus is paired with the unconditioned stimulus, the stronger the conditioned response becomes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In Pavlov's classical conditioning, what is the significance of the term 'unconditioned reflex'?

    <p>It indicates a response that is automatically elicited by a specific stimulus without prior learning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conclusion can be drawn from Pavlov's discovery of the conditioned reflex?

    <p>External stimuli can be manipulated to produce consistent behavioral responses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following scenarios best exemplifies classical conditioning as described by Pavlov?

    <p>A cat salivates at the sound of a can opener after being fed with it repeatedly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mechanism did Sechenov identify as essential for controlling reflexive behavior in humans?

    <p>The establishment of inhibitory control over reflexive actions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of behaviorism does Pavlov’s concept of conditioned reflex highlight?

    <p>The significant role that environmental stimuli play in shaping learned behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can be inferred about the process of spontaneous recovery in classical conditioning?

    <p>It suggests that conditioned responses can reappear after a period of extinction.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the first-signal system in Russian objective psychology?

    <p>It is based on conditioned stimuli signaling significant events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following was a primary goal of John B. Watson's behaviorism?

    <p>To achieve the prediction and control of behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What statement regarding Watson's views on behaviorism is accurate?

    <p>He regarded psychology as an objective branch of natural science.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes Watson's reaction to criticism of his behaviorism?

    <p>He withdrew temporarily but later became more radical.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of behavior does Watson's objective psychology categorize as explicit behavior?

    <p>Overt actions such as talking and writing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which assertion about the second-signal system is correct?

    <p>It involves humans responding to symbols rather than events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of Watson's scandal at Johns Hopkins University?

    <p>He left academia for a career in advertising.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following components is NOT included in Watson's behavioristic principles?

    <p>Introspection as a method of research.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following accurately represents the distinction between implicit and explicit behaviors?

    <p>Implicit behaviors involve glandular secretions, while explicit behaviors include unlearned reflexes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which research method did Watson consider to be equivalent to observing overt behaviors and thinking?

    <p>Verbal reports, treating them as overt behavior.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What conceptual position did Watson eventually adopt regarding the mind-body relationship?

    <p>Physical monism, rejecting the existence of mental events.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary purpose of Watson's conditioning experiments, such as the one with Little Albert?

    <p>To illustrate the learning process of eliciting emotional responses through conditioning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement describes Watson's views on human emotions?

    <p>Only three primary emotions are inherited, forming the basis for others.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept did Watson emphasize regarding the learning of behavior?

    <p>Behavior is conditioned based on the law of contiguity and frequency.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Watson's belief in radical environmentalism suggests which of the following about human behavior?

    <p>Experience is the primary determinant of individual characteristics.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In behaviorism, how is thinking conceptualized according to Watson?

    <p>As a form of implicit or subvocal speech.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Russian Objective Psychology

    • Ivan Sechenov aimed to explain all mental processes through associationism and materialism. He believed that thoughts don't cause behavior, and both internal and external behaviors are reflexes triggered by external stimuli. Sechenov also proposed that inhibition plays a crucial role in the brain, and human development involves gaining control over reflexive behaviors.

    • Ivan Pavlov, a Nobel Prize-winning physiologist, discovered conditioned reflexes while studying digestion. He noticed that objects or events associated with food also triggered gastric secretions, calling them "conditional" as they depended on other factors. The term "conditional" was later translated as "conditioned."

    • Pavlov's classical conditioning involves associating a biologically neutral stimulus (NS) with an unconditioned stimulus (US) that naturally elicits an unconditioned response (UR). This pairing leads the NS to acquire the ability to elicit a similar response, now called the conditioned response (CR).

    • Pavlov further explored excitation and inhibition in the nervous system, suggesting that all central nervous system activity involves either excitation or inhibition. He called the dynamic interplay of these processes at any given moment the "cortical mosaic."

    • Extinction and spontaneous recovery were also observed by Pavlov. Extinction occurs when a conditioned stimulus (CS) is no longer followed by the unconditioned stimulus (US), causing a reduction in the conditioned response (CR) over time.

    • Spontaneous recovery refers to reappearance of the CR after a period of extinction, suggesting that learning is not completely erased.

    • Experimental neurosis arises when conflicting excitatory and inhibitory tendencies are present. Pavlov demonstrated this by slowly shifting a circle (rewarded) towards an ellipse (not rewarded), leading to behavioral breakdown in animals. He found four types of responses associated with this phenomenon.

    • Pavlov proposed two signal systems:

      • First-signal system: Signals stimuli (conditioned stimuli) that represent biologically significant events.
      • Second-signal system: Involves the ability to respond to symbols of physical events, particularly language and words.

    • While skeptical of psychologists, Pavlov appreciated Edward Thorndike's research for its objectivity and systematic approach. He viewed Thorndike's law of effect as critical to the success of associationism.

    John B. Watson and Behaviorism

    • John B. Watson publicly announced his behavioristic views in 1908, facing significant criticism. In 1913, Watson presented his "Behaviorist Manifesto," outlining the core tenets of behaviorism:

      • Psychology is a natural science relying on objective methods.
      • The goal is to predict and control behavior.
      • Introspection is excluded.
      • No distinction exists between human and animal behavior.

    • He believed in a purely objective approach to psychology, emphasizing the prediction and control of behavior. He identified four types of behavior:

      • Explicit learned behavior: Observable behaviors like talking or writing.
      • Implicit learned behavior: Internal responses like increased heart rate.
      • Explicit unlearned behavior: Inborn reflexes like grasping or sneezing.
      • Implicit unlearned behavior: Internal processes like glandular secretions.

    • Watson proposed four methods for studying behavior:

      • Observation: Naturalistic or controlled.
      • Conditioned-reflex method: Based on Pavlov and Bechterev's work.
      • Testing: Samples of behavior, not evaluations of capacity or personality.
      • Verbal reports: Treated as any other overt behavior.

    • Watson viewed language and thinking as forms of behavior. He considered speech as overt behavior and thought as a form of subvocal speech.

    • Watson believed humans inherit only a few basic reflexes, with experience largely shaping behavior. He considered a few basic emotions – fear, rage, and love – as innate, but proposed that learning determines their elicitation by various stimuli.

    • The Little Albert experiment demonstrated the conditioning of emotional responses in humans. This pioneering research is considered a prime example of behavior therapy.

    • Watson advocated for an objective approach to child-rearing with minimal displays of affection, treating children like adults, and providing sex education.

    • Watson emphasized that learning occurs through contiguity and frequency, meaning that events are associated in time, leading to behavior conditioning. He also incorporated the law of recency: more recent associations are more likely to be remembered.

    • Eventually, Watson adopted a position of physical monism, rejecting the existence of mental events (consciousness) altogether.

    Russian Objective Psychology

    • Ivan Sechenov:
      • Studied how all psychic phenomena could be explained through materialism and associationism.
      • Believed thoughts don't cause behavior, both internal and external behaviors are triggered by external stimuli.
      • Emphasized the role of inhibition in controlling reflexive behavior.
    • Ivan Pavlov:
      • Won the Nobel Prize in Physiology for his work on the digestive system.
      • Discovered the conditioned reflex while studying the digestive system.
      • Observed that objects associated with food also triggered gastric secretions.
    • Classical Conditioning:
      • Developed by Pavlov.
      • An unconditioned response is triggered by an unconditioned stimulus.
      • Through associating a neutral stimulus with the unconditioned stimulus, the neutral stimulus becomes a conditioned stimulus and elicits a conditioned response.
      • Example: Food (US) elicits salivation (UR). When paired with footsteps (NS), the footsteps (CS) elicit salivation (CR).
    • Excitation and Inhibition:
      • Pavlov believed all central nervous system activity can be characterized as either excitation or inhibition.
      • The pattern of excitation and inhibition at any given moment is called the cortical mosaic.
    • Extinction and Spontaneous Recovery:
      • If the conditioned stimulus is no longer followed by the unconditioned stimulus, the conditioned response will eventually be extinguished.
      • Spontaneous recovery occurs when the conditioned response reappears after a period of time following extinction.
    • Experimental Neurosis:
      • Occurs when contradictory excitatory and inhibitory tendencies are presented.
      • For example, an animal trained to receive a reward for a circle and no reward for an ellipse will experience breakdown in behavior as the circle is gradually changed into an ellipse.
    • Signal Systems:
      • Developed by Pavlov and comprised of the "first-signals of reality" (stimuli associated with biologically significant events) and the "signals of signals" (symbols that represent physical events).
      • Pavlov acknowledged Thorndike's research and its contribution to his study of associationism.

    John B. Watson and Behaviorism

    • In his 1913 lecture, Watson laid out the basic tenets of behaviorism:
      • Psychology is an objective and experimental science.
      • The goal of psychology is to predict and control behavior.
      • Introspection plays no part in the method.
      • No distinction exists between human and animal behavior.
    • Watson's objective psychology focused on the prediction and control of behavior and categorized it into:
      • Explicit (overt) learned behavior: Talking, writing, etc.
      • Implicit (covert) learned behavior: Increased heart rate caused by fear.
      • Explicit unlearned behavior: Grasping, blinking, sneezing, etc.
      • Implicit unlearned behavior: Glandular secretions
    • Methods of Research
      • Observation (naturalistic or controlled)
      • Conditioned-reflex method
      • Testing (samples of behavior)
      • Verbal reports (treated as any other overt behavior)
    • Watson believed that language and thinking were forms of behavior. Speech is overt behavior, while thinking is subvocal speech.
    • Humans inherit a few basic reflexes but develop complex behaviors through experience.
    • Watson proposed that humans inherit the emotions of fear, rage, and love, and these emotions are conditioned to be elicited by various stimuli through learning.
    • His research with Little Albert demonstrated the conditioning of emotional responses and their counterconditioning.
    • Watson believed that children should be raised in an objective manner, without excessive displays of affection.
    • He emphasized the importance of sex education for children.
    • Learning is a matter of contiguity and frequency: Events associated in time produce conditioning and the law of recency applies.
    • Watson ultimately adopted a physical monism position, rejecting the existence of mental events entirely.

    Russian Objective Psychology

    • Ivan Sechenov believed that psychic phenomena were based on associationism and materialism.
    • He proposed that both internal and external behaviors are reflexive, triggered by external stimulation.
    • Sechenov emphasized the importance of inhibitory mechanisms in the brain in regulating behavior.
    • He believed that human development involved the gradual control of reflexive behavior through inhibition.

    Ivan Pavlov

    • Pavlov's work on the physiology of digestion led to the discovery of the conditioned reflex.
    • He observed that objects or events associated with food could also trigger gastric secretions, referred to as "conditional" reflexes.
    • Pavlov developed Classical (Pavlovian) Conditioning:
      • An Unconditioned Response (UR), an innate reflex, is elicited by an Unconditioned Stimulus (US).
      • A Conditioned Response (CR) is learned through contiguity and frequency.
      • A Neutral Stimulus (NS), paired with the US, becomes the Conditioned Stimulus (CS) and elicits the learned CR.
    • Pavlov's research exemplified the principle of contiguity: the closer in time two events occur, the stronger the association between them.

    Pavlov's Contributions

    • Excitation and Inhibition: proposed all central nervous system activity could be characterized by excitation or inhibition. He called the pattern of these activities, a cortical mosaic.
    • Extinction: repeated presentation of the CS without the US leads to a weakening of the CR.
    • Spontaneous Recovery: after extinction, the CR may reappear after a rest period.
    • Experimental Neurosis: conflict between excitatory and inhibitory tendencies leads to a breakdown in behavior, showing inflexibility to stimuli.
    • Signal Systems:
      • First-signal system: stimuli that signal biologically significant events.
      • Second-signal system: symbols (language) that refer to physical events.
    • Pavlov advocated for a scientific approach to psychology, praising Thorndike's objective research methods.

    John B. Watson and Behaviorism

    • Watson was a pioneer of behaviorism, a school of thought that emphasizes the study of observable behavior rather than mental processes.
    • In his 1913 "Behaviorist Manifesto," Watson outlined the key tenets of behaviorism:
      • Psychology should be an objective, experimental science.
      • The goal of psychology should be the prediction and control of behavior.
      • Introspection (examining one's own thoughts and feelings) is not a valid method of study.
      • There is no fundamental difference between human and animal behavior.
    • Watson rejected the concepts of "mind" and "consciousness," believing that they were unnecessary for understanding behavior.

    Watson's Contributions

    • Watson's objective psychology focused on the prediction and control of behavior. He identified four types of behavior:
      • Explicit learned behavior: talking, writing.
      • Implicit learned behavior: increased heart rate in response to a feared stimulus.
      • Explicit unlearned behavior: grasping, blinking, sneezing.
      • Implicit unlearned behavior: glandular secretions.
    • Watson proposed four methods of research for behaviorism:
      • Observation (naturalistic or controlled).
      • Conditioned reflex method (as described by Pavlov and Bechterev).
      • Testing (measuring behavior samples).
      • Verbal reports (treated as any other overt behavior).
    • Watson believed language and thinking were forms of behavior:
      • Speech was overt behavior, while thinking was implicit or subvocal speech.

    Watson's Views

    • Watson embraced radical environmentalism, believing human behavior was primarily shaped by environmental influences.
    • He identified three basic emotions inherited by humans: fear, rage, and love. All other emotions were believed to be derived from these.
    • Through conditioning, these basic emotions could be learned to be elicited by various stimuli beyond their natural triggers.
    • Watson's famous Little Albert experiment demonstrated the conditioning of fear in humans.
    • This research also exemplified an early form of behavior therapy (counterconditioning).

    Watson's Social Views

    • Watson advocated for objective parenting:
      • children should be raised with minimal displays of affection.
      • they should be treated more like adults.
      • he believed children should receive sex education.

    Watson's Theories

    • Watson's views on learning were based on the principles of contiguity and frequency:
      • the law of recency: the more recently an event occurred, the stronger the association.
    • Watson's physical monism argued that mental events were not real, instead proposing that all behavior is ultimately reducible to physical events.

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    Hergenhahn's Introduction to History of Psychology PDF

    Description

    Explore the pivotal concepts of behaviorism through the ideas of Ivan Sechenov and Ivan Pavlov. This quiz delves into classical conditioning, the significance of reflexes, and the evolution of psychology as seen through the lens of these influential figures. Test your knowledge on key theories and historical impacts in the field of psychology.

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