Behaviourism (Noun)
Meaning
An approach to psychology that emphasizes observable measurable behavior.
Classification
Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.
Examples
- Behaviourism was a direct reaction to the mentalistic methods of structuralism and functionalism, which relied heavily on introspection.
- The psychologist found flaws with behaviourism, arguing that mental states such as emotions were equally important.
- John B Watson's book Behaviourism, published in 1925, is often viewed as the foundation of this unique approach.
- Critics of behaviourism feel that the movement ignores many fundamental aspects of human consciousness.
- Throughout its development, behaviourism was frequently at odds with contrasting psychological perspectives that emphasized cognition and inner mental experiences.