Behaviouralist is a term used to describe a person who subscribes to the theories and practices of behaviourism, a psychological approach that emphasizes the study of observable behaviours as opposed to internal mental processes. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of behaviouralist, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and usage in different contexts.
Definitions
A behaviouralist is a person who believes in the principles of behaviourism, which is a theory that explains human behaviour in terms of observable actions and environmental factors. Behaviouralists view behaviour as a response to environmental stimuli, and they believe that behaviour can be modified through reinforcement and punishment.
Origin
The term behaviouralist originated in the mid-20th century as a label for psychologists who embraced behaviourism as a theoretical framework. Behaviourism was first introduced by John B. Watson in 1913, and it gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s with the work of B.F. Skinner. Behaviouralists continue to influence psychological research and practice today.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of behaviouralist is consistent across different dictionaries. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a behaviouralist as “a person who adheres to the principles of behaviorism.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines a behaviouralist as “a person who studies or advocates behaviourism.”
Associations
Behaviouralists are often associated with the study of animal behaviour, as many of the early experiments in behaviourism were conducted on animals. They are also associated with the use of operant conditioning, a form of behaviour modification that involves rewarding or punishing behaviour in order to increase or decrease its frequency.
Synonyms
Synonyms for behaviouralist include behaviourist, behaviour psychologist, and behaviour modification specialist.
Antonyms
Antonyms for behaviouralist include cognitive psychologist, psychoanalyst, and humanistic psychologist.
The same root words
The root word of behaviouralist is behaviour, which refers to the actions or reactions of an individual or group in response to a stimulus. Other words that share this root include behavioural, behaviourism, and behaviourist.
Example Sentences
- The behaviouralist approach to psychology emphasizes the study of observable behaviours.
- The behaviouralist believed that the child’s behaviour could be modified through positive reinforcement.
- The behaviourist conducted an experiment to test the effects of punishment on behaviour.
- The behaviour modification specialist used operant conditioning to help the patient overcome their phobia.
- The cognitive psychologist disagreed with the behaviouralist’s approach to studying human behaviour.