Chapter 10: Behaviorism: The Beginnings

10.1 The Experimental Foundations of Behaviorism

  • Experiment with Little Albert

    • Conducted by John B. Watson and Rosalie Rayner in 1920.

    • Aimed to demonstrate classical conditioning in humans using a baby known as Little Albert.

    • Albert, aged eight months, was shown various stimuli including a white rat, rabbit, and dog, without displaying fear.

  • Conditioning Phase

    • To create a fear response, a loud hammer strike was paired with the sight of the rat.

    • Following several conditioning trials (around seven), Albert exhibited fear in response to the rat even without the loud noise.

    • This experiment illustrated the concept of conditioned emotional response develop due to environmental stimuli.

  • Generalization of Fear

    • Watson concluded Albert's fear could generalize to similar stimuli, such as other furry objects and masks.

10.2 The Theoretical Framework of Behaviorism

  • Watson's Views on Behavior

    • Believed adult fears, anxieties, and phobias are conditioned responses formed in childhood.

    • Rejected the notion of unconscious motivations as proposed by Freud; instead focused on observable behavior and experiences.

10.3 John B. Watson’s Life and Career

  • Early Life

    • Born in Greenville, South Carolina to a troubled family.

    • Had a delinquent youth but pursued education fervently after mother's death.

  • Academic Journey

    • Achieved a Ph.D. at 25 from the University of Chicago.

    • Engaged in behavioral studies emphasizing animal research and conditioning experiences.

  • Career at Johns Hopkins

    • After moving to Johns Hopkins, Watson became a prominent figure in psychology, advocating for behaviorism.

    • Controversies surrounded him due to personal and professional relationships, leading to his resignation.

10.4 The Principles and Methods of Watson’s Behaviorism

  • Objective Psychology

    • Proclaimed psychology should be a science focused on observable behavior rather than mental states.

  • Research Methods

    • Strongly supported various scientific methods, including:

      • Observation (with and without instruments).

      • Testing methods.

      • Conditioned reflex method, following Pavlov’s principles.

  • Role of Human Subject

    • Behaviorism redefined the role of subjects; they were observed rather than engaged in introspection or self-report.

  • Implicit Responses

    • Watson accepted that implicit (internal) responses could be a part of behavior, introducing a blend of objective observation with physiological measures.

10.5 Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Behaviorism

  • Objections from Within Psychology

    • Some psychologists argued that behaviorism omitted crucial cognitive processes, necessitating introspective methods for complete understanding.

  • Debates with McDougall and Lashley

    • McDougall emphasized the importance of consciousness and free will in human behavior.

    • Lashley's research challenged Watson’s simplistic model by highlighting complexities in brain functions relative to behavior.

10.6 The Impact and Legacy of Behaviorism

  • Public Reaction and Popularity

    • Watson attracted large public attention, leading to widespread interest in child-rearing practices and applications of psychology in advertising.

  • Later Years and Closing Thoughts

    • Transitioned to a successful career in advertising, promoting behaviorist principles.

    • Despite personal and professional scandals, maintained his influence in the field, ultimately shaping modern psychology and fostering discussions around behaviorism.