Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on the study of human and animal behavior. It is a branch of psychology that believes that behavior is shaped by the environment and external factors, rather than internal thoughts and feelings. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of behaviorism, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Behaviorism is defined as the theory that human and animal behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without reference to thoughts or feelings. It is a school of psychology that emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.
Another definition of behaviorism is that it is a method of studying behavior that focuses on observable and measurable actions, rather than subjective experiences or mental processes.
Origin
Behaviorism emerged as a school of psychology in the early 20th century, with the work of psychologists such as John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner. Watson, often considered the father of behaviorism, believed that behavior could be studied objectively and scientifically, without reference to internal mental processes.
Skinner further developed behaviorism with his theory of operant conditioning, which posits that behavior is shaped by the consequences that follow it. Skinner’s work focused on the role of reinforcement and punishment in shaping behavior.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, behaviorism is defined as “the theory that behavior can be explained in terms of conditioning, without reference to thoughts or feelings.”
Merriam-Webster defines behaviorism as “a school of psychology that takes the objective evidence of behavior as the only concern of its research and the only basis of its theory without reference to conscious experience.”
Associations
Behaviorism is often associated with the work of John B. Watson and B.F. Skinner, who are considered the founders of the school of psychology. It is also associated with the study of animal behavior, particularly in the field of ethology.
Behaviorism is often contrasted with other schools of psychology, such as psychoanalysis and humanistic psychology, which focus on internal mental processes and subjective experiences.
Synonyms
Synonyms of behaviorism include behavioral psychology, behavior modification, and behavior therapy.
Antonyms
Antonyms of behaviorism include psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, and cognitive psychology.
The same root words
The root word of behaviorism is behavior, which comes from the Old French word behavoir, meaning “to conduct oneself.” Other related words include behavioral, behaviorist, and behavioristic.
Example Sentences
- “Behaviorism emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.”
- “Skinner’s theory of operant conditioning is a key component of behaviorism.”
- “Behaviorism is often contrasted with psychoanalysis, which focuses on internal mental processes.”