Behaviourism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behaviour rather than inner mental states. It became popular at the beginning of the 20th century and emphasised the role of the environment in influencing behaviour.
Main representatives and concepts
- John B. Watson: Considered the founder of behaviourism. He argued that psychology should be objective and measurable (Watson, 1913).
- B.F. Skinner: Developed radical behaviourism and the concept of operant conditioning, in which behaviour is shaped by reinforcement or punishment (Skinner 1953).
Main features of behaviourism
- Objectiviy:
- The focus is on measurable behaviour and not on inner mental processes (Watson, 1913).
- Learning through conditioning:
- Classical conditioning: Discovered by Ivan Pavlov, describes how a neutral stimulus can elicit a response when paired with a significant stimulus (Pavlov, 1927).
- Operant conditioning: Developed by B.F. Skinner, refers to the reinforcement or punishment of behaviour in order to influence its occurrence (Skinner, 1953).
- Environment as an influencing factor:
- Behaviour is shaped and changed by environmental stimuli.
- Avoidance of introspection:
- Behaviourism rejects introspective methods as they are considered unreliable.
Influence and application
- Behaviourism has strongly influenced behaviour therapy and educational methods by providing techniques for behaviour modification.
Critics
- Behaviourism is criticised for neglecting cognitive processes and emotions, which led to the development of cognitive psychology.+
Influence and criticism
Behaviourism had a major influence on the development of psychology, particularly in the fields of behavioural therapy and education. However, it was criticised for neglecting cognitive processes and emotions.
Transition to the cognitive turn
The cognitive turn in the 1950s and 1960s led to an increased interest in mental processes and limited the influence of behaviourism.
Literature:
Pavlov, I. P. (1927). Conditioned reflexes: an investigation of the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex. Oxford Univ. Press.
Skinner, B. F. (1953). Science and human behavior. Macmillan.
Watson, J. B. (1913). Psychology as the behaviorist views it. Psychological Review, 20(2), 158–177. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0074428