describe the origins of the behaviourist perspective
Describe the origins of the behaviourist perspective
Answer:
The behaviorist perspective, a major school of thought in psychology, originated from the work of John B. Watson. Watson, an American psychologist, founded behaviorism in the early 20th century. Behaviorism views psychology as a science of behavior, focusing on observable actions rather than internal mental processes. Watson was influenced by the works of Ivan Pavlov, known for his research on classical conditioning with dogs.
Watson’s famous “Little Albert” experiment, where he conditioned a phobia in a young child, further solidified behaviorism’s principles. He believed that all behaviors are learned through environmental factors and experiences. B.F. Skinner, another key figure in behaviorism, introduced the concept of operant conditioning, which explains how behavior is shaped by positive or negative reinforcement.
Behaviorism became a dominant force in psychology in the early to mid-20th century, emphasizing the importance of studying behavior objectively and scientifically. This perspective had a significant impact on fields such as education, therapy, and animal training. While the strict behaviorist perspective has evolved over time, its influence on psychology and related disciplines remains profound.