Introduction to Behaviorism

These flashcards cover key concepts and figures in behaviorism based on the lecture notes.

What is the main focus of behaviorism in psychology?

Observable behavior should be studied, dismissing invisible mental processes.

Who is credited with the popularization of behaviorism in North America?

John Watson.

According to John Watson, what is more important in the nature vs. nurture debate?

Nurture is more important than nature.

What principle did Watson emphasize regarding behavior?

All behavior can be explained by conditioning principles.

What career shift did John Watson make after being dismissed from his university?

He shifted to advertising.

How did Watson revolutionize advertising?

He emphasized evoking emotions to condition a response to products.

What is operant conditioning according to B. F. Skinner?

Behaviors change according to feedback received from rewards and punishments.

What was B. F. Skinner’s belief regarding how all animals learn?

All animals learn in the same fundamental ways, through operant conditioning.

What is a key concept of behaviorism regarding free will?

Behaviorism suggests that there is limited room for free will since behaviors are largely determined by reinforcements and punishments.

How did Watson view the concept of introspection used by structuralists?

He was critical and dismissive, believing it was not valid to study the invisible mental processes.