Causes of Ab Behavior 5

John B. Watson

• Influential scientist in psychology, particularly in learning theory applied to human behavior.

• Proposed that emotional reactions could be classically conditioned in people, similar to procedures done in animal behavior studies.

Behaviorism

• Watson was a key proponent of behaviorism, emphasizing that observable behavior is the only legitimate subject matter for psychological science.

• His approach shifted the focus from inner mental states to external behavior.

  • This was a significant move beyond previous researchers like Pavlov and Skinner, who primarily used animals as subjects.

Nature vs. Nurture Debate

• Watson strongly favored the nurture side in the nature vs. nurture argument, believing that environment and learning experiences shape behavior.

• He argued that individuals could be conditioned to behave in specific ways through proper nurturing.

  • This aligns with his assertion that learning is a crucial element in behavior development.

Notable Quote

• Watson famously stated: "Give me a dozen healthy infants, well formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in, and I'll guarantee to take anyone at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select. Doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant chief, and, yes, even beggar man and thief, regardless of his talents, pensions, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors."

  • This quote emphasizes his belief that biological factors play little to no role in determining a person's future; instead, it is entirely influenced by learning and environmental factors.