Behaviorism is a psychological theory that focuses on observable behavior as the only valid subject of study. The term “behaviorist” refers to a person who adheres to this theory. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of behaviorist, along with its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
A behaviorist is a psychologist who subscribes to the principles of behaviorism, which posits that behavior is shaped by environmental factors and that observable behavior is the only valid subject of study. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), behaviorism is a “philosophical and scientific approach to the study of behavior, which emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.”
Origin
The term “behaviorist” was first used in the early 20th century to describe psychologists who were interested in studying behavior as opposed to mental processes. The founder of behaviorism, John B. Watson, is often credited with coining the term.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a behaviorist is “a person who specializes in the study of behavior, especially animal behavior.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a behaviorist as “a person who subscribes to the principles of behaviorism.”
Associations
Behaviorists are often associated with the study of animal behavior, particularly in the field of ethology. They are also associated with the use of operant conditioning, a form of learning in which behavior is shaped by consequences, such as rewards or punishments.
Synonyms
Synonyms for behaviorist include behavior psychologist, behavior therapist, and behavior analyst.
Antonyms
Antonyms for behaviorist could include cognitive psychologist, psychoanalyst, or humanistic psychologist, as these approaches focus on mental processes and subjective experiences rather than observable behavior.
The same root words
The root word of behaviorist is “behavior,” which comes from the Latin word “behavio,” meaning “to conduct oneself.” Other words derived from this root include behavioral, behaviorism, and behaviorist.
Example Sentences
- The behaviorist approach to psychology emphasizes the role of environmental factors in shaping behavior.
- The behaviorist studied the behavior of rats in a maze to understand how they learned to navigate it.
- The behaviorist therapist used operant conditioning to help her patient overcome a phobia.
- The cognitive psychologist disagreed with the behaviorist’s emphasis on observable behavior, arguing that mental processes were also important to study.